U.S. Ambassador: The relation between Washington and Riyadh is like the relationship between two brothers

"2030 vision" succeeded before achieving its goals

The U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Joseph W. Westphal confirmed the strength of Saudi-US relations. He said that the relationship between Washington and Riyadh is like the relationship between two brothers. He indicated that the bilateral relations between the two countries are not free of points of accord and disaccord. However, he said, this does not mean that they are tense. On the contrary, they are deep-rooted and based on the principle of support, he affirmed.
In his last press dialogue made exclusively with Alrriyadh Arabic newspaper before leaving Saudi Arabia following the end of his term of office, the US ambassador pointed out that the relation between the two countries had experienced hard times after the events of September 11 and the consequent terrorist attacks as well as the recession in the commercial transactions and business activities in 2008. However, the two countries were able to overcome such circumstances and go ahead in achieving their common interests, he reiterated.
Fraternal Relations
Tackling the Saudi Vision 2030, ambassador Westphal paid tributes to the plan which contains success factors before embarking on the achievement of its objectives. He alluded to the unanimous support accorded by the Saudi leadership and people to the Vision and its envisaged objectives, aspirations and ambitions.
U.S. Ambassador speaking with Deputy Editor Mr.Hani Wafa
Saudi Vision 2030 is an achievement
In this respect, ambassador Westphal further noted that the Saudi government is aware of the challenges encountering the country but the will of change and transformation will act as a driving force for the Vision. This itself is an accomplishment, he said. He added that the Saudi Vision 2030 aims at making people accept the challenges and come up to the level of responsibility in view of their awareness that such changes may affect their living conditions, their income, their family status and even their culture and lifestyle
Westphal termed the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 as realistic and achievable under a wise leadership at all levels. He stated that the Saudi leadership recognizes that sometimes reviews and amendments need be conducted so that the Vision may ultimately succeed and assure the Kingdom and future generations going forwards.
Joseph W. Westphal
Trustfulness
Ambassador Westphal voiced pride over the achievements accomplished by him during his term of office in Saudi Arabia. He said that the first and important achievement for him as a diplomat is that he has been able to gain the trust and satisfaction of the hosting country. "I worked hard at all official and personal levels to gain the trust of the hosting country and I hope that I have achieved it successfully", he noted.
He further indicated that he feels proud for being able to form and manage a working team during his three-year term of office. He alluded that the embassy of his country is a large embassy where there are staff members of various trends but have been able to maintain their sense of teamwork regardless of their inclinations or the parties they represent.
I wished I learnt Arabic
Speaking about his stay in Saudi Arabia, ambassador Westphal said that he wished to have the opportunity to visit more districts in the Kingdom and to have enough time to learn Arabic. He added that he is pride that he has served his country and he is pride of his country, his national heritage and their lifestyle. He is proud of his president who has done a good job during his presidency period.
At the end of his speech he sent a message of farewell to the leadership and people of the Kingdom and called them for investment in the young generation.
U.S. Ambassador receives a souvenir from Al Riyadh Newspaper