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| NCUSAR President Dr. John Duke Anthony, Moderator Peter Robertson, Ambassador Al-Jubeir, Ambassador Smith, Ambassador Cutler, Ambassador Freeman, Jr., Ambassador Oberwetter, and Ambassador Jordan. |
Ambassador Al-Jubeir and Ambassador Smith emphasized the strength and importance of the Saudi-U.S. relationship, including in areas of counterterrorism, regional security and trade and investment.
“Our countries face a number of mutual challenges in the region and they work together closely to overcome them,” Ambassador Al-Jubeir said, adding “we speak to each other clearly, we consult intensely and we try to engage others in order resolve problems. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a history of seeking stability and security and peace in our region and in our world,” said Ambassador Al-Jubeir.
Ambassador Al-Jubeir noted the Arab Peace Initiative, the interfaith dialogue and the launching of the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, a major research university, as examples of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s commitment to peace, dialogue, understanding, and knowledge.
Speaking on the multi-faceted nature of the Saudi-U.S. relationship Ambassador Smith said, “It’s an era of hope and opportunity…for most every challenge facing this nation [United States] there is a crossroad in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia] that we have to use. And think of the words that our President [Obama] used which were listen, respect, trust.”
On the evening of the first day of the conference Ambassador Al-Jubeir hosted a reception for all participants and guests at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC.
Text of Ambassador Al-Jubeir's address