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Bilateral KSA-USA trade thriving
JEDDAH: Trade relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States have remained strong and increased over more than 80 years, despite political and economic upheavals and oil price fluctuations in recent times.
The growth and expansion is attributed to the bilateral relationship that is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and benefits, local media reported on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia is today considered the 12th largest trading partner of the United States, while the US is the second largest trading partner of the Kingdom. The US accounts for the largest share of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the Kingdom.
The main investment operations to bring the two countries together include the establishment of Sadara Chemical Company, a joint venture between the Dow Chemical Company and Saudi Aramco with a cost estimated at more than $20 billion, one of the largest petrochemical projects in the world jointly established.
The US-Saudi Arabian Business Council, which was founded in the United States in December 1993, was the result of the keenness shown by the two countries to form a joint organization. The council operates through offices in Riyadh and Washington.
The council is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote economic relations between the Kingdom and the United States with an established board of directors consisting of business leaders from both countries working together to enhance bilateral trade relations through trade and investment.
The council has been promoting a broader understanding between Saudi and American companies, as well as providing them with information about specific business opportunities stemming from the belief in the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The Saudi side is headed by Abdullah bin Saleh bin Jumah, while the US part is headed by Peter Robertson, Chevron’s former vice chairman.
The first meeting of the council was held under the banner, "The Business Opportunities Forum," in Chicago in 2010.
The event attracted more than 1,100 men and women entrepreneurs from the two countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation and expand existing trade relations.
It was followed by similar successful forums of the same size held in Atlanta in 2011 and Los Angeles in 2013. The fourth Business Opportunities Forum was held in Riyadh in March this year.
The council is engaged in gathering information necessary to address the strategic concerns of institutions that work in the Kingdom and the regulatory requirements for effective marketing of products and services for businesses, as well as remain close to the main decision-makers in the public and private sectors of the two countries.
The volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States during the first quarter of 2016 stood at SR 30.498 billion, with the Kingdom recording exports to the United States worth SR 12.117 billion, representing 9 percent of the total exports against imports by the country from the US totaling SR 18.381 billion, according to the report of the General Authority for Statistics.
In 2015, the volume of trade between the two countries stood at SR 170.203 billion, the report said.
Between 1991 and 2015, the total volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States stood at SR 3.222 trillion, an annual average of SR 128.9 billion, and the total current account balance recorded a surplus of SR 1.23 trillion, of which SR 2,225 billion represents total exports and SR 996.126 billion total imports.
The highest volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States was about SR 287.109 billion in 2012, with the total exports of the Kingdom standing at SR 208.339 billion, 14.3 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports, while the highest volume of exports by the Kingdom to the United States was in 1991, which represented 22.9 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports that year.
The growth and expansion is attributed to the bilateral relationship that is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and benefits, local media reported on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia is today considered the 12th largest trading partner of the United States, while the US is the second largest trading partner of the Kingdom. The US accounts for the largest share of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the Kingdom.
The main investment operations to bring the two countries together include the establishment of Sadara Chemical Company, a joint venture between the Dow Chemical Company and Saudi Aramco with a cost estimated at more than $20 billion, one of the largest petrochemical projects in the world jointly established.
The US-Saudi Arabian Business Council, which was founded in the United States in December 1993, was the result of the keenness shown by the two countries to form a joint organization. The council operates through offices in Riyadh and Washington.
The council is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote economic relations between the Kingdom and the United States with an established board of directors consisting of business leaders from both countries working together to enhance bilateral trade relations through trade and investment.
The council has been promoting a broader understanding between Saudi and American companies, as well as providing them with information about specific business opportunities stemming from the belief in the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The Saudi side is headed by Abdullah bin Saleh bin Jumah, while the US part is headed by Peter Robertson, Chevron’s former vice chairman.
The first meeting of the council was held under the banner, "The Business Opportunities Forum," in Chicago in 2010.
The event attracted more than 1,100 men and women entrepreneurs from the two countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation and expand existing trade relations.
It was followed by similar successful forums of the same size held in Atlanta in 2011 and Los Angeles in 2013. The fourth Business Opportunities Forum was held in Riyadh in March this year.
The council is engaged in gathering information necessary to address the strategic concerns of institutions that work in the Kingdom and the regulatory requirements for effective marketing of products and services for businesses, as well as remain close to the main decision-makers in the public and private sectors of the two countries.
The volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States during the first quarter of 2016 stood at SR 30.498 billion, with the Kingdom recording exports to the United States worth SR 12.117 billion, representing 9 percent of the total exports against imports by the country from the US totaling SR 18.381 billion, according to the report of the General Authority for Statistics.
In 2015, the volume of trade between the two countries stood at SR 170.203 billion, the report said.
Between 1991 and 2015, the total volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States stood at SR 3.222 trillion, an annual average of SR 128.9 billion, and the total current account balance recorded a surplus of SR 1.23 trillion, of which SR 2,225 billion represents total exports and SR 996.126 billion total imports.
The highest volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States was about SR 287.109 billion in 2012, with the total exports of the Kingdom standing at SR 208.339 billion, 14.3 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports, while the highest volume of exports by the Kingdom to the United States was in 1991, which represented 22.9 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports that year.
http://www.arabnews.com/node/940196/saudi-arabia
https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5170.html
Cooperation will be cemented: SAPRAC
RIYADH: The visit of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States assumes greater significance as it will help promote broader regional cooperation and stronger bilateral relations. It will help attract American investors and contribute to the economic diversification as envisaged in Vision 2030.
This was stated on Wednesday by the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), an organization that aims to build better ties between the two countries by promoting people to people communication, and through enriching content, and intercultural initiatives and events.
The agenda of the deputy crown prince’s visit can broadly be divided into political, strategic and economic, with Syria, Yemen and Iraq dominating the political agenda; sharing intelligence, combating terrorism, Daesh and Muslim countries’ coalition to fight against terrorism dominating the discourse on strategic issues; and Vision 2030 aiming economic diversification, privatization and attracting American investors to the Kingdom topping the economic agenda.
In an exclusive statement analyzing the visit, SAPRAC said, “The visit comes in the middle of a strain in the bilateral relationship, a chaotic war in Syria and Yemen, Iranian intervention and a prolonged slump in oil prices.”
SAPRAC, however, exuded confidence that the visit that includes talks with President Barack Obama on Thursday will pave the way to promote broader cooperation between the two traditional allies as despite some differences, Saudi officials are keen on cooperating with the current and upcoming US administration to put an end to the friction between the two countries, the committee noted.
Commenting on the visit, Thomas Mattair, executive director of the Middle East Policy Council, told SAPRAC that Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a driving force behind much of the Kingdom’s reform plans. The Kingdom’s assertive regional policies, its defense planning and its economic reforms assume importance with the offer of significant trade and investment opportunities for the American corporations.
He added that as the Kingdom and the United States have common interests in shaping the outcome of the regional conflicts, and the solid bilateral security partnership is mutually beneficial; it provides an opportunity for the US to further strengthen this very important decades old American-Saudi partnership.
Notably, this visit also comes at a pivotal moment for the Saudi economy as it is headed for its most significant transformation in its recent history, including sweeping financial reforms privatization and diversification.
This was stated on Wednesday by the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), an organization that aims to build better ties between the two countries by promoting people to people communication, and through enriching content, and intercultural initiatives and events.
The agenda of the deputy crown prince’s visit can broadly be divided into political, strategic and economic, with Syria, Yemen and Iraq dominating the political agenda; sharing intelligence, combating terrorism, Daesh and Muslim countries’ coalition to fight against terrorism dominating the discourse on strategic issues; and Vision 2030 aiming economic diversification, privatization and attracting American investors to the Kingdom topping the economic agenda.
In an exclusive statement analyzing the visit, SAPRAC said, “The visit comes in the middle of a strain in the bilateral relationship, a chaotic war in Syria and Yemen, Iranian intervention and a prolonged slump in oil prices.”
SAPRAC, however, exuded confidence that the visit that includes talks with President Barack Obama on Thursday will pave the way to promote broader cooperation between the two traditional allies as despite some differences, Saudi officials are keen on cooperating with the current and upcoming US administration to put an end to the friction between the two countries, the committee noted.
Commenting on the visit, Thomas Mattair, executive director of the Middle East Policy Council, told SAPRAC that Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a driving force behind much of the Kingdom’s reform plans. The Kingdom’s assertive regional policies, its defense planning and its economic reforms assume importance with the offer of significant trade and investment opportunities for the American corporations.
He added that as the Kingdom and the United States have common interests in shaping the outcome of the regional conflicts, and the solid bilateral security partnership is mutually beneficial; it provides an opportunity for the US to further strengthen this very important decades old American-Saudi partnership.
Notably, this visit also comes at a pivotal moment for the Saudi economy as it is headed for its most significant transformation in its recent history, including sweeping financial reforms privatization and diversification.
http://www.arabnews.com/node/940211/saudi-arabia
Future of Saudi-US joint business opportunities in spotlight
The prospects for expanding business will be examined with both sides looking for trade and investment opportunities.
Future of Saudi-US joint business opportunities in spotlight
The prospects for expanding business will be examined with both sides looking for trade and investment opportunities.
By Patrick Ryan
Special to Al Arabiya EnglishWednesday, 15 June 2016
Prince Mohammed holds portfolios as Defense Minister and as head of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the leading body shaping the Kingdom’s economic reform program.
Many eyes will be on the conversations Prince Mohammed has with high-level US officials concerning the landmark transformation, Vision 2030, that was announced in April and has his direct imprint on it, and how that will affect Saudi-US business opportunities.
Prince Mohammed, or MBS as he is known, will travel to New York and California during his United States visit where he is expected to have conversations with finance, investment and technology leaders.
The prospects for expanding business will be examined with both sides looking for trade and investment opportunities.
Foreign direct investment
For American investors that will come in two parts, according to Richard Wilson, who heads the Saudi-US Trade Group (SUSTG) in Washington.
“There’s the immediate opportunity that is presented by the prospect of the privatization, an IPO, of some part of Saudi Aramco. You will see investment houses actively pursuing that opening. They are also treating the new Saudi economic program as a potential entree into other investment opportunities in the Kingdom.”
Special to Al Arabiya EnglishWednesday, 15 June 2016
Prince Mohammed holds portfolios as Defense Minister and as head of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the leading body shaping the Kingdom’s economic reform program.
Many eyes will be on the conversations Prince Mohammed has with high-level US officials concerning the landmark transformation, Vision 2030, that was announced in April and has his direct imprint on it, and how that will affect Saudi-US business opportunities.
Prince Mohammed, or MBS as he is known, will travel to New York and California during his United States visit where he is expected to have conversations with finance, investment and technology leaders.
The prospects for expanding business will be examined with both sides looking for trade and investment opportunities.
Foreign direct investment
For American investors that will come in two parts, according to Richard Wilson, who heads the Saudi-US Trade Group (SUSTG) in Washington.
“There’s the immediate opportunity that is presented by the prospect of the privatization, an IPO, of some part of Saudi Aramco. You will see investment houses actively pursuing that opening. They are also treating the new Saudi economic program as a potential entree into other investment opportunities in the Kingdom.”
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduces Saudi Vision 2030 during a press conference. (SPA)
There are longer-term considerations as well, said Wilson: “Fortune 500 companies are looking at how regulatory reforms are going to affect their ability to invest in key sectors within the Kingdom. They are asking what changes will there be in terms of ownership requirements and the full array of business considerations large companies think about when they look to invest in Saudi Arabia.”
It is expected that MBS’s visit will be closely watched by US businesses to better understand what Saudi Arabia is going to prioritize in terms of foreign direct investment opportunities.
SUSTG’s Wilson said: “Investors are intrigued and curious but there has to be a wait and see attitude because investments at this level are scrutinized both on the legal side and on the business side. When you invest you want to make sure you have a firm grasp on the regulatory environment and the full terms of getting in and getting out.”
American business leaders, however, are sold that there’s a real intent in Saudi Arabia to change, to reform the economy and to take significant measures leading to a diversified economy. According to Wilson, “They’re excited that there’s someone, in the person of Prince Mohammed, who is very focused on achieving this goal and he appears to have sufficient influence and leverage to accomplish it.”
The Vision 2030 initiative and its implementing programs as they are detailed and launched have been very well received by businesses globally, from CEOs to economists, as signaling the Kingdom is moving in the right direction.
That has stimulated a great deal of curiosity and interest resulting in prospects for greater levels of foreign direct investment and it will significantly increase US involvement as Saudi Arabia moves along this path. In the visits to New York City and the West Coast, Prince Mohammed will likely look for feedback, interest and involvement in the Vision 2030 economic goals.
It is expected that MBS’s visit will be closely watched by US businesses to better understand what Saudi Arabia is going to prioritize in terms of foreign direct investment opportunities.
SUSTG’s Wilson said: “Investors are intrigued and curious but there has to be a wait and see attitude because investments at this level are scrutinized both on the legal side and on the business side. When you invest you want to make sure you have a firm grasp on the regulatory environment and the full terms of getting in and getting out.”
American business leaders, however, are sold that there’s a real intent in Saudi Arabia to change, to reform the economy and to take significant measures leading to a diversified economy. According to Wilson, “They’re excited that there’s someone, in the person of Prince Mohammed, who is very focused on achieving this goal and he appears to have sufficient influence and leverage to accomplish it.”
The Vision 2030 initiative and its implementing programs as they are detailed and launched have been very well received by businesses globally, from CEOs to economists, as signaling the Kingdom is moving in the right direction.
That has stimulated a great deal of curiosity and interest resulting in prospects for greater levels of foreign direct investment and it will significantly increase US involvement as Saudi Arabia moves along this path. In the visits to New York City and the West Coast, Prince Mohammed will likely look for feedback, interest and involvement in the Vision 2030 economic goals.
Uber deal and commercial ties
The Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) recent record-breaking $3.5 billion purchase of a major stake in the privately-held revolutionary car service Uber, has raised the profile of deals originating in the Kingdom. It signaled the intent to be an active player in markets for technology firms and investment opportunities across the board, according to Wilson.
Infographic: Saudi’s $2 trillion megafund: How to move on from oil. (Farwa Rizwan/ Al Arabiya English)
“Saudis certainly want to diversify their investments so you can expect as they build the PIF they’ll be looking for those varied types of investments.” He added, “If you’re a potential target you can go and talk to the PIF as Uber did and make your pitch.”
The generations-old Saudi-US commercial relationship that Prince Mohammed looks to expand has grown on the shoulders of numerous public and private initiatives, trade delegations and investment resources.
In January, the US-Saudi CEO Summit program was launched at a conference in Riyadh through the efforts of the US Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Wilson, who attended the summit, said: “There’s a very good working relationship between the US Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in the US and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, it’s counterpart in Saudi Arabia.”
He noted the initiative is supportive of the new economic initiatives in the Kingdom and assists US business in becoming connected to new opportunities.
At the January summit, Thomas Donohue, head of the US Chamber said: “There are incredible opportunities for competitive American companies to bring their technology, knowledge, and financing to the Kingdom and to partner with and support key Saudi companies.”
________
Patrick W. Ryan is a Nashville-based consultant and analyst of Middle East affairs.
The generations-old Saudi-US commercial relationship that Prince Mohammed looks to expand has grown on the shoulders of numerous public and private initiatives, trade delegations and investment resources.
In January, the US-Saudi CEO Summit program was launched at a conference in Riyadh through the efforts of the US Chamber of Commerce and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Wilson, who attended the summit, said: “There’s a very good working relationship between the US Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in the US and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, it’s counterpart in Saudi Arabia.”
He noted the initiative is supportive of the new economic initiatives in the Kingdom and assists US business in becoming connected to new opportunities.
At the January summit, Thomas Donohue, head of the US Chamber said: “There are incredible opportunities for competitive American companies to bring their technology, knowledge, and financing to the Kingdom and to partner with and support key Saudi companies.”
________
Patrick W. Ryan is a Nashville-based consultant and analyst of Middle East affairs.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/spe...oint-business-opportunities-in-spotlight.html
Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Congress members
Economic issues will be the key topic of discussion on this visit, with the two long-standing allies having 300 existing joint investments and projects. (SPA)
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
The Deputy Crown Prince met on Tuesday CIA Director John Brennan, and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper in Virginia, and discussed with terrorism, security and intelligence cooperation.
The CIA chief has told Al Arabiya Channel that the United States has a ‘strong’ partnership with Saudi Arabia in the war against terrorism.
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
The Deputy Crown Prince met on Tuesday CIA Director John Brennan, and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper in Virginia, and discussed with terrorism, security and intelligence cooperation.
The CIA chief has told Al Arabiya Channel that the United States has a ‘strong’ partnership with Saudi Arabia in the war against terrorism.
Special attention
In the exclusive interview, Brennan said that “the Saudis have become among our best counterterrorism partners” over the last 15 years.
Meetings of Prince Mohamed bin Salman with congressional leaders will also be held on Thursday morning. The meetings attract special attention in light of growing concerns over terrorism after Sunday’s attacks on a Florida nightclub that killed 50 people.
The deputy crown prince kicked off his visit to the United States on Monday by holding a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry at the latter’s residence in Washington. There, the two discussed boosting Saudi-US ties, regional issues, and the importance of fighting terrorism.
The deputy crown prince is leading a large delegation on this visit, which includes ministers of energy, foreign affairs, information and trade, along with military commanders.
It is expected that Prince Mohammed will meet US President Barack Obama on Thursday and Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Friday.
After Washington, the visit will include stops in New York and California.
Meetings of Prince Mohamed bin Salman with congressional leaders will also be held on Thursday morning. The meetings attract special attention in light of growing concerns over terrorism after Sunday’s attacks on a Florida nightclub that killed 50 people.
The deputy crown prince kicked off his visit to the United States on Monday by holding a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry at the latter’s residence in Washington. There, the two discussed boosting Saudi-US ties, regional issues, and the importance of fighting terrorism.
The deputy crown prince is leading a large delegation on this visit, which includes ministers of energy, foreign affairs, information and trade, along with military commanders.
It is expected that Prince Mohammed will meet US President Barack Obama on Thursday and Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Friday.
After Washington, the visit will include stops in New York and California.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/New...uty-crown-prince-to-meet-Obama-on-Friday.html
Saudi deputy crown prince to meet with Obama
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Saudi sources have confirmed that the kingdom’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be meeting with US President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday 17th.
The meeting will be closed to journalists.
The deputy crown prince is currently on a visit in the United States, which has so far seen a focus on ties between the two countries, as well as counterterrorism and economic issues.
On Monday, he met with US Secretary of State John Kerry in his home in Washington.
The State Department said that the two shared an iftar dinner – a meal that marks the end of the day’s fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – and “reviewed the strong and enduring relationship” between their countries.
Kerry and Prince Mohammed also “discussed a broad range of regional issues, including Yemen, Syria, Libya, and countering terrorism.” Saudi’s plan to reform its economy, unveiled in April, was also discussed.
The two also talked about the deadly Orlando shootings on Sunday, and “expressed their shared commitment to continue their cooperation in combatting the spread of violent extremism, both regionally and internationally,” a state department spokesman said.
Then on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed met with a number of leading congressmen and women in Washington.
A previous release stated that he was set to meet with Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Democratic minority House leader Nancy Pelosi, and US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, in addition to prominent business leaders in the US capital.
The deputy crown prince is leading a large delegation on this visit, which includes ministers of energy, foreign affairs, information and trade, along with military commanders.
After Washington, the visit is also expected to include stops in New York and California.
Last Update: Thursday, 16 June 2016 KSA 10:53 - GMT 07:53
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Saudi sources have confirmed that the kingdom’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be meeting with US President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday 17th.
The meeting will be closed to journalists.
The deputy crown prince is currently on a visit in the United States, which has so far seen a focus on ties between the two countries, as well as counterterrorism and economic issues.
On Monday, he met with US Secretary of State John Kerry in his home in Washington.
The State Department said that the two shared an iftar dinner – a meal that marks the end of the day’s fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – and “reviewed the strong and enduring relationship” between their countries.
Kerry and Prince Mohammed also “discussed a broad range of regional issues, including Yemen, Syria, Libya, and countering terrorism.” Saudi’s plan to reform its economy, unveiled in April, was also discussed.
The two also talked about the deadly Orlando shootings on Sunday, and “expressed their shared commitment to continue their cooperation in combatting the spread of violent extremism, both regionally and internationally,” a state department spokesman said.
Then on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed met with a number of leading congressmen and women in Washington.
A previous release stated that he was set to meet with Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Democratic minority House leader Nancy Pelosi, and US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, in addition to prominent business leaders in the US capital.
The deputy crown prince is leading a large delegation on this visit, which includes ministers of energy, foreign affairs, information and trade, along with military commanders.
After Washington, the visit is also expected to include stops in New York and California.
Last Update: Thursday, 16 June 2016 KSA 10:53 - GMT 07:53
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/spe...uty-crown-prince-to-meet-Obama-on-Friday.html
No dispute with KSA over Syria: America
ARAB NEWS | Published — Thursday 16 June 2016
UNSHAKABLE BOND: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman being greeted by US Secretary of State John Kerry outside Kerry’s residence in Washington, DC. (AFP)
WASHINGTON/JEDDAH: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a series of meetings with US officials in Washington on Wednesday focusing on regional conflicts and cooperation.
He met with Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, head of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan, Secretary of State John Kerry, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and the chairs of the foreign affairs and armed services committees.
The US denied there was any dispute with Saudi Arabia over how to handle the crisis in Syria. Kerry’s spokesman John Kirby said: “If you’re asking if there’s this big philosophical divide between the Saudis and the United States on how to move forward on the ground in Syria, the answer is ‘no.’”
Kirby recalled that Saudi Arabia had been one of the first countries to join the United States and Russia in forming the International Syria Support Group.
“If it were not for Saudi leadership, we wouldn’t have that first meeting of the Syrian opposition groups back in December in Riyadh,” Kirby said. “They have been at this right from the beginning with the United States and with Russia and with Turkey, moving this process forward ... Saudi Arabia has been with us step-by-step.”
Kerry was keen for his visit with Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reflect the warm relations between both countries by hosting a Ramadan iftar at his home in Washington, rather than a protocol meeting on Capitol Hill. The iftar lasted for more than two hours.
“The iftar is an appreciation of the deputy crown prince’s visit to the United States,” said Kerry, noting that it would address the “strong and sustainable relations between the US and Saudi Arabia, as well as a number of issues including Yemen, Syria, Libya, and the fight against terrorism.”
Prince Mohammed offered his condolences for the victims of the Orlando shootings, as the discussion focused on “cooperation to combat terrorism on the regional and international level.”
The meeting also addressed the prince’s economic plan for Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s goal to transform its economy away from it dependence on oil.
Political expert at the Center for American Progress, Brian Katulis, said the prince’s visit “is different from the previous traditional visits, as it moves away from the political context and will cover economic and technology talks in New York and California.”
Katulis, who had met with the prince last December, said his “youth ... and analytical strength will help him build bridges with American officials. Putting in place a plan to end the conflict in Yemen will be part of the discussions, and joint security challenges,” he said.
Sources were quoted by several newspapers as saying that the meetings will act as a road map for both sides, especially in the coming period, as well as an opportunity for both sides to clarify a number of issues that concerns them as American media attempts to portray matters as “worse than they are.”
“There are a number of lawyers who aim to complicate issues as they place pressure on US decision makers to harm the Kingdom, as was evident in the attempt to raise charges of damages for the September 11 attacks worth millions of dollars,” one source said.
He met with Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, head of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan, Secretary of State John Kerry, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and the chairs of the foreign affairs and armed services committees.
The US denied there was any dispute with Saudi Arabia over how to handle the crisis in Syria. Kerry’s spokesman John Kirby said: “If you’re asking if there’s this big philosophical divide between the Saudis and the United States on how to move forward on the ground in Syria, the answer is ‘no.’”
Kirby recalled that Saudi Arabia had been one of the first countries to join the United States and Russia in forming the International Syria Support Group.
“If it were not for Saudi leadership, we wouldn’t have that first meeting of the Syrian opposition groups back in December in Riyadh,” Kirby said. “They have been at this right from the beginning with the United States and with Russia and with Turkey, moving this process forward ... Saudi Arabia has been with us step-by-step.”
Kerry was keen for his visit with Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reflect the warm relations between both countries by hosting a Ramadan iftar at his home in Washington, rather than a protocol meeting on Capitol Hill. The iftar lasted for more than two hours.
“The iftar is an appreciation of the deputy crown prince’s visit to the United States,” said Kerry, noting that it would address the “strong and sustainable relations between the US and Saudi Arabia, as well as a number of issues including Yemen, Syria, Libya, and the fight against terrorism.”
Prince Mohammed offered his condolences for the victims of the Orlando shootings, as the discussion focused on “cooperation to combat terrorism on the regional and international level.”
The meeting also addressed the prince’s economic plan for Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s goal to transform its economy away from it dependence on oil.
Political expert at the Center for American Progress, Brian Katulis, said the prince’s visit “is different from the previous traditional visits, as it moves away from the political context and will cover economic and technology talks in New York and California.”
Katulis, who had met with the prince last December, said his “youth ... and analytical strength will help him build bridges with American officials. Putting in place a plan to end the conflict in Yemen will be part of the discussions, and joint security challenges,” he said.
Sources were quoted by several newspapers as saying that the meetings will act as a road map for both sides, especially in the coming period, as well as an opportunity for both sides to clarify a number of issues that concerns them as American media attempts to portray matters as “worse than they are.”
“There are a number of lawyers who aim to complicate issues as they place pressure on US decision makers to harm the Kingdom, as was evident in the attempt to raise charges of damages for the September 11 attacks worth millions of dollars,” one source said.
http://www.arabnews.com/node/940246/saudi-arabia
US praises Saudi’s leading role in solving Syrian crisis
Kirby said the meetings and talks between Saudi and U.S. officials were fruitful and friendly. (AFP)
Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Thursday, 16 June 2016
US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said the meetings and talks between Saudi and US officials were fruitful and friendly.
“If you’re asking if there’s this big philosophical divide between the Saudis and the United States on how to move forward on the ground in Syria, the answer is ‘no,'” Kirby said.
Kirby said Saudi Arabia had been one of the first countries to join the United States and Russia in forming the International Syria Support Group, which was established to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
He said: “If it were not for Saudi leadership, we wouldn’t have that first meeting of the Syrian opposition groups back in December in Riyadh.”
He said the Saudis shares US concerns about trying to implement a political agreement in Syria that could lead to a transitional operation and the creation of a new government not headed by President Bashar al-Assad.
He added that the US is committed to stopping ISIS in Syria. “The Saudis are the leading figures capable to help us stop (ISIS’s) aggressive activities,” Kirby said.
Last Update: Thursday, 16 June 2016 KSA 14:14 - GMT 11:14
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/spe...di-leading-role-in-solving-Syrian-crisis.html
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