Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Riyadh Christopher Henzel described the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States as friendly and very fruitful, indicating that, through his visit, the Crown Prince affirms to the new generation of US citizens the depth and strength of the relationship between the two countries.
Although the United States is one of Saudi Arabia's most important economic partners, the economic transformation process of the Kingdom is logically forcing the changing nature of US involvement, and US business leaders need to understand what is happening and Saudi leadership plans, Henzel told Asharq al-Awsat.
Christopher Henzel, who began his diplomatic service in Riyadh between 1985 and 1987, discussed the entrance of about 100 new US companies to the Saudi market over the past few years.
“This gives you an idea about the size of the new and ongoing US investment going on here,” he said.
The US official reiterated his country's condemnation of the Houthi rockets launched at Saudi Arabia, stressing that these missiles came from Iran and that these attacks threaten the stability. He also considered the launch of Houthis missiles an evidence that they still believe that violence is the way for them to achieve their goals rather than negotiations.
The Importance Crown Prince’s VisitThe Charge d'Affaires stressed that the visit of Prince Mohammed to his country is very important and going very well so far.
"The Crown Prince held a very good meeting with President Trump, and as you know, our two countries have a close partnership, and the relationship between our leaders is also very close, so the discussions were very cordial, frank and very fruitful. Now Prince Mohammed is visiting a number of cities across the United States, and this will be a great opportunity for him to connect with a number of officials outside of the US government,” he added.
Participation in Vision 2030Henzel pointed out that US is one of the Kingdom’s economic partners adding: "I am proud that we are a very important partner. With Saudi Arabia's economic transformation, it is logical that the nature of US engagement also changes, so US business leaders need to understand what happened and the plans of the Saudi leadership.”
He also expressed his belief that through the Crown Prince’ meetings, business leaders will be better prepared to be partners in the changes that Saudi Arabia is making now.
According to the Charge d'Affaires, the US embassy in Riyadh is trying to stay up to date to the opportunities in Saudi Arabia, indicating that there are indeed a number of US companies that are now involved in some of the new sectors that are becoming more open.
“Yes, our energy partnership is very old, but it's getting new ways. Of course, the retail sector is one of the biggest. I think you'll continue to see more US companies in the field,” he indicated.
He revealed that the US Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Energy are also collaborating to create a new energy facility at a Saudi university, “which I believe will contribute to Saudi Arabia's growth in this area. "
Establishing Long-term Cultural RelationshipsThe US Charge d'Affaires believes that the cultural sector is one of the most important areas of long-term cooperation between the two countries.
"Saudi students studying in the United States form relationships with the US citizens, and connect with US companies,” he added saying that this will enhance the bilateral relations for a long time.
“I am proud that the Saudi government and many Saudi students have chosen the United States to be their destination. This is a large investment and I believe it reveals the strength of the relations between the two countries,” he explained.
The Danger of Iran and Houthi militiasHenzel said the security partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia is very strong, citing a strong statement from the White House and the State Department condemning the recent ballistic missile attack on Riyadh launched by the Houthi rebels.
"These missiles come from Iran and such attacks are seriously destabilizing," he said.
"The US government extends its condolences to the Egypt for the citizen who was killed, to his family and the people who were wounded. The United States will continue to stand by Saudi Arabia,” the Charge d'Affaires reiterated.
When asked about the message Houthis wanted to deliver to the international community by firing ballistic missiles at highly populated Saudi cities, Henzel said they still believe that violence is the way for them to achieve their goals instead of negotiations.
“In the end, Yemeni people are suffering as a result, and we know that the United Nations is making an important new effort to find a political solution, and this is the response of Houthis to this effort,” he concluded.
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