(WASHINGTON, DC) – His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal today presented a copy of his diplomatic credentials to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in New York.

Acceptance of the credentials confirms Prince Turki’s position as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America.Prince Turki Al-Faisal is succeeding Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who was appointed as Ambassador to the U.S. on September 27, 1983.

After his meeting with Secretary Rice, Prince Turki stated the following: “It is an honor for me to represent my country as Ambassador to the United States, and I look forward to assuming my new duties. Our two countries have had a strong and mutually beneficial relationship for over six decades, and I look forward to working to further strengthen and deepen these historic ties.”