On behalf of the American people and President Barack Obama, US state Secretary Hillary Clinton has congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the Kingdom's national day. Speaking on the occasion of the Kingdom's national day, she said the US appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a closed friend and ally. Since the meeting held by King Abdulaziz and US then President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945, the Kingdom and the US have been linked with a vital and durable partnership based on the principles of mutual respect and common interests, she noted adding that this partnership has enhanced the pillars of friendship between the two courtiers as well as their security and prosperity. On this historical occasion, I would like to salute King Abdullah for his leadership amid major regional and international challenges, and his support to the Arab peace initiative and his efforts for confronting the global economic crisis, she said. The US State Secretary noted that King Abdullah has demonstrated readiness to cooperate with followers of other beliefs, in addition to his efforts to develop and strengthen the Kingdom's institutions and diversifying its economy as well as boosting knowledge based on science. Clinton also highlighted his efforts to make more opportunities available for women. She added that the King has established a strong dialogue which aims at promoting principles of moderation, tolerance and mutual respect which are basic for common values. These brave steps has enabled the Kingdom to go ahead on the path of more secured, strong and prosperous future. Clinton viewed the opening of the promising King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to become an international center for excellence, research and learning as a sign of an era of King Abdullah's farsighted leadership. She added that commitment to science and research due to be represented by this new university will serve the Kingdom in the future. Clinton said that the strength of the Saudi-American partnership will contribute to making the future more brighter for all peoples, confirming the adherence of the US to work for broadening and deepening its friendship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
