Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, met yesterday with the President of Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah, and members of the University. In his speech in front of members and students of the University, Prince Turki stressed the strength of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States, stating, today, as a result of serious work on both our sides, there are a lot of positive things to say. "After Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-aziz met with President Bush in April 2005 on an official level, relations between our two countries are stronger than they have ever been." "What is clear is that the terrorists miscalculated in their attempts to drive our nations apart. They only stirred a resolve that has resulted in greater cooperation and coordination between us; and this extends far beyond the war on terror," the Ambassador said. He noted that relations are based on six pillars: the war on terrorism, oil, trade, Middle East stability, military cooperation and the longstanding personal relationships between the two peoples. Prince Turki also pointed out several areas in which the two countries can strengthen their bond for the future. "One is establishing stronger links between the two governments through vehicles such as the successful Saudi-US Strategic Dialogue, which institutionalizes cooperation between the countries. A second area is more people-to-people contact. To that end, Saudi Arabia has sponsored a number of scholarship programs for thousands of Saudi students to study abroad. Third, there should be a focus on developing better relations with US Congress; more US lawmakers and delegates should visit the Kingdom and witness for themselves the progress that is underway there," Prince Turki added. Finally, the relationship between the two countries would benefit from a changed discourse based on constructive dialogue, not political rhetoric, he said. Prince Turki also noted that the two countries must work together in order to find solutions to the challenges the world faces today: the war on terrorism, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, energy security, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He concluded, "Our relationship today has matured. It was tested by the tragic events of 9/11 and emerged stronger than before. Officials in both countries have recognized the need to put in place effective frameworks to further solidify our relationship. This effort, I am pleased to report, is proceeding very well. And I am confident that the future of our relationship will be, God willing, a bright one. But first we need to act."
