King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, described US President Barrack Obama as a respected international figure, stressing that he was not saying this as flattery, but it is what he has heard from leaders throughout the world. Speaking to the American people following his meeting with President Obama on Tuesday, King Abdullah said, “You are a people who are friends to the Kingdom, the Arabs and humanity.” He pointed out that “the Saudi-American friendship, as was said by President Obama, dates back to the era of the late President Roosevelt and the late King Abdul Aziz and it will continue to exist. I wish it will prosper and continue between the two peoples, all the American friends and the former and current presidents.” King Abdullah also expressed his hope that President Obama would remain in the presidency for a longer period. Obama welcomed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the White House and expressed his happiness about his visit to the US, and said: “The relations between the two countries have become strong since the meeting between President Roosevelt and the late King Abdul Aziz Al- Saud (may Allah bestow his mercy on him) 65 years ago.” Obama said his talks with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, which were fruitful, dealt with the bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern including the Palestinian peace process. “We talked about the joint interests and working together in combating terror,” he said. “We also discussed strategic issues on Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran's attempts to possess nuclear weapons in addition to the peace track that we hope will achieve the Palestinian state.” Obama said the meeting was an opportunity to continue consultations held at the G-20 summit, and that he considers the two countries to be partners, with the aim of continuing to revive the global economy and achieve growth for all. He also said his country and the Kingdom are forging ahead in boosting trade relations and consolidating the concept of real partnership.
