(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Ambassador to the United States Abdullah Al-Saud said that the visit to the U.S. by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense demonstrates the close relationship and growing collaboration between the two countries.
Prince Mohammed arrived in Washington on an official visit on Monday, and is holding a series of bilateral meetings with senior administration officials, members of Congress and representatives of the private sector.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, Ambassador Al-Saud stated that the timing of the visit is of significance as an extension of the historical close relations between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. and will have a significant impact on the development of the joint interests of the two countries.
The ambassador said that the timing of the visit was significant because it follows the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030, an economic roadmap built around three primary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Ambassador Al-Saud noted the many opportunities it opens for American investment and said that collaboration between the two countries is an important aspect of the plan.
Ambassador Al-Saud also pointed out the commitment by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to strengthening the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces through a modernization program, which is reflected in the ongoing efforts by Prince Mohammed bin Salman in this regard. He also mentioned the vitality of the bilateral defense cooperation was vital to both countries in light of the current conditions in the Middle East and around the world.
The ambassador stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism, noting Saudi participation in the international coalition against Daesh (ISIL), the Saudi-led Islamic alliance to combat terrorism, the Kingdom's efforts to maintain security and stability in the region, its efforts to restore legitimacy and peace in the Yemen and its efforts to curb Iranian interference in the affairs of the countries in the region.
