The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC today issued the following press release in which Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz responds to the recent statement by U.S. Senator Levin.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prohibits the teaching of hatred and violence. Charges that Saudis fund schools that do so are baseless and lack an understanding of our society, culture and laws.

"Saudi Arabia greatly values its relationship with the United States and is pleased with the level of cooperation in all fields. The President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury and the National Security Advisor have all attested to the high level of support and cooperation that exists between our countries.

"We fought together a decade ago to reverse aggression against Kuwait and we stand together today in the fight against terrorism. Our two nations share the goal of peace and the end of terrorism.

"I have great respect for Senator Levin but I am surprised by his statement. If he has any concerns, I urge him to visit Saudi Arabia and personally assess the extent of cooperation and support we are giving the international coalition, as a number of his colleagues have done over the past several months."