(WASHINGTON, DC) – This week U.S. mayors returned from a visit to Saudi Arabia organized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in coordination with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. The visiting mayors spent nearly a week in the Kingdom where they experienced the nation’s culture while conducting productive meetings with Saudi officials, business leaders and educators on issues of mutual interest.

“This visit allowed the participating mayors to experience Saudi Arabia first hand,” said Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Adel A. Al-Jubeir. “We look forward to working with the U.S. Conference of Mayors in improving economic relations and cultural exchange through future visits.”

The delegation met with Saudi government and business leaders, including the minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, mayors of Riyadh and Jeddah, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, assistant speaker of the Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council), governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and leaders of the Chambers of Commerce in Riyadh and Jeddah. During these meetings, the parties discussed enhancing Saudi-U.S. trade relations.

In addition, the group also met with educators at Effat College, the non-governmental National Society for Human Rights and members of the Saudi-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Committee.

The five-day visit concluded on October 19 with a dinner that was attended by business and community leaders and hosted by Khalid Alireza, CEO of Xenel Group.

The delegation was comprised of Mayor Elizabeth Kautz of Burnsville, Minn.; Mayor Arlene Mulder of Arlington Heights, Ill.; Mayor John Callahan of Bethlehem, Pa.; Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, S.C.; and Mayor Brenda Lawrence of South Field, Mich.