US Embassy Celebrates National Day
National Day Statement by Ambassador Ford M. Fraker
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Today we pay tribute to a dynamic bilateral relationship that has served as the linchpin of US policy in the region for more than six decades. Born at a time when the world experienced gripping change, the full depth of US-Saudi relations originated from the vision of two men: King Abdulaziz ibn Saud and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. These powerful leaders grasped the pragmatic importance of one country to another. But, more importantly, they respected each other on a personal level. They sought to nurture their special rapport. Unique in the annals of American diplomatic history, the relationship has served as a framework for the special bond that persists today.
Recent world events have illustrated that no country can exist in isolation. We all must make efforts to find common ground and work past differences in culture, religion, ethnicity, and even ideology. We must not succumb to polarizing viewpoints that have traditionally separated nations. His Majesty, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, continues to lead the way by extending a hand of tolerance and mutual respect to other peoples of differing creeds.
Tomorrow marks the end of my service as US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. What a great honor it has been to be here, to have served my country, and to have worked with the Kingdom’s leadership to strengthen relations between our two countries. Our partnership is one that will continue long after I am gone, as it has throughout the years because, while it is true our countries face common challenges, we also see common opportunities. I ask the people of Saudi Arabia to accept my sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the enormous support I have received and I look forward to our continued friendship.
