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OPINION:
Over the past eight decades, the alliance between Saudi Arabia and the United States has been a cornerstone for global stability and prosperity. Today, as the world navigates new challenges and conflicts, that partnership is more critical than ever.
This is why the kingdom looks forward to welcoming President Trump this week on the “first overseas state visit” of his second administration. It is a moment pivotal for global peace, security and prosperity.
When Mr. Trump embarked on his first presidential visit to the kingdom in 2017, our country was undergoing a tremendous transformation, redefining its economic, social and cultural landscape through the launch of Vision 2030. Nearly eight years later, Mr. Trump will step off Air Force One to find the Vision becoming a reality. Along with the many changes, one constant remains: the kingdom’s enduring partnership with the United States, which is built upon friendship, mutual trust and, perhaps most important, a commitment to building a better tomorrow.
As we proudly open our doors to Mr. Trump and his delegation, we look to highlight the tremendous journey our nation has undertaken and the new heights our relationship with the U.S. has reached, now including sectors such as manufacturing, technology, cybersecurity and even space exploration.
During my time as ambassador, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact of U.S. companies investing in Saudi Arabia and Saudi companies investing in the United States. This represents the central pillar of our relationship: people-to-people connections built on mutual interests.
The Saudi Arabia that Mr. Trump will visit is investing billions of dollars in fostering new economic sectors such as tourism, artificial intelligence, clean energy, culture and sports. It is a dynamic society where youths are pioneering the future and women are at the forefront of the Vision.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy now contributes 50% to the country’s real gross domestic product, marking a historic milestone. Saudi women make up nearly 40% of our workforce, with many in leadership positions, enjoying the same rights as men, including equal pay. Young Saudis are experiencing a renaissance in arts, entertainment, sports and science, all while preserving our proud cultural heritage. This is a new Saudi Arabia, open to the world, and we invite Americans to look more closely.
This is the real story of the new and developing Saudi Arabia, a story of greater equality and inclusiveness. Although there’s still work to be done, the recent progress for women and the economic and social opportunities created for our youths are truly profound and position the kingdom for the next phase of our strategic partnership with the United States.
In the kingdom, we believe that a sustainable partnership begins with reciprocity. The crown prince’s pledge of investing $600 billion in the United States over the next four years promises mutual prosperity that aligns with our diversification goals under Vision 2030 and Mr. Trump’s goals for economic growth.
Today, amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, leadership and alliances are more vital than ever. From counterterrorism efforts to peacekeeping initiatives, Saudi Arabia’s leadership has been instrumental in leveraging the country’s strategic position and resources for regional and global security.
Almost every major global challenge is being addressed with urgency through collaboration and a strong Saudi-U.S. alliance. From conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip to stability in Syria and Sudan, Saudi Arabia is playing a critical role in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Partnership with the United States is essential to success.
Together, we are mediators, allies and stewards leveraging our strengths to foster peace and security. That is what makes Mr. Trump’s visit so timely. His agenda of trade, investment, energy security and counterterrorism is in sync with our goals.
Saudi Arabia stands ready to leverage its relationships, provide a neutral ground and fulfill our obligation to promote peace where we can. The Russia-Ukraine conflict further highlights our role as a mediator, working with our U.S. counterparts to bring peace and stability to Europe and beyond. We share Mr. Trump’s view that the war has cost too many lives. This reflects our broader foreign policy agenda, which seeks stability and prosperity across borders.
On energy and our leadership in OPEC and OPEC+ have ensured reliable, affordable energy that has fostered stability amid geopolitical crises. Although Saudi Arabia remains the world’s largest oil exporter, we are simultaneously pioneering a greener future with innovative energy solutions, a commitment to net-zero through a circular carbon economy framework and global collaboration.
For shared security, we look forward to deepening our partnership with the U.S. The kingdom has always been at the forefront of global and regional efforts to counter shared challenges and threats, including terrorism and extremism, and secure vital waterways critical to the global economy. By investing in defense, largely through partnerships with U.S. companies, we are enhancing security and creating hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.
The Saudi-U.S. alliance is not just history; it is a reimagined future. The relationship isn’t monolithic, but its breadth and depth maintain the vitality of our partnership to the benefit of both nations. Together, we navigate a challenging world, ensuring resilience and shared success.
As all roads lead to Riyadh, we look forward to continuing a partnership that advances progress, security, peace and prosperity for generations to come.
• Her Royal Highness Reema Bandar Al-Saud is the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States.
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