An Item of Interest from SUSRIS

"A Saudi Vision For Growth"
Women Make Their Mark at Jeddah Economic Forum - Lubna Olayan's Keynote Address

My vision is of a country with a prosperous and diversified economy in which any Saudi citizen, irrespective of gender who is serious about finding employment can find a job in the field for which he or she is best qualified, leading to a thriving middle class and in which all Saudi citizens, residents or visitors to the country feel safe and can live in an atmosphere where mutual respect and tolerance exist amongst all, regardless or their social class, religion or gender.

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An Item of Interest from SAF

Joint U.S.-Saudi Action Announced to Fight the Financial War on Terror

"I am very pleased to announce that the United States and Saudi Arabia have joined together today to take action against four branches of the Al-Haramain organization.  Today's designation is another important victory in our ongoing war against the spread of terrorism and terrorist financiers and another demonstration of our partnership in the war against terror.. " - U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, John Snow

"Today's announcement is an important one, because it represents another victory in the war against terror.  It also reflects the extent of the strong cooperation between our two governments.  Both of our countries are targets of Al-Qaeda, and as a consequence both the Saudi and the American people live under the threat of terror attacks.  Today we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this war against evil.." - Adel Al-Jubeir, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Crown Prince Abdullah

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The Saudi-US Relations Information Service Discussion Forum

Look Who's Talking...  The Saudi-US Relations Information Service web site features a discussion forum for you to post your ideas, opinions and questions.  To sign on and speak up Click Here.   Among the posts in current threads:

"A truly historic moment in every Saudi's life. The opening statement was given by a female who is the CEO of a huge company. What's more is, that she was not covered with the traditional garb.

"When I saw her picture I was engulfed with happiness. In the forum, there were other female spectators, no pictures of them though. This time, there was no closed loop TV or stuff of that sort. It was live, baby!

"Tell me what you think."

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In the News

Secretary Colin L. Powell comments on the U.S.-Saudi relationship

Excerpts of an Interview by Michael Smerconish of WPHT Radio, Philadelphia with Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
January 21, 2004

MR. SMERCONISH: My listeners have asked me to put to Colin Powell the following question: "The Saudis, friends or foes?"

SECRETARY POWELL: The Saudis are friends. We have been friends with the Saudis for many years, and we want to remain friends with the Saudis.

Now, there are certain policies they have that we are not happy with. I mean, they have a different form of government. They have a different culture, a different society than ours -- things they do that would not be acceptable to us.

We have talked to the Saudis about how the 21st century is going to require changes in their society, but we do it as friends, and we don't do it to beat them up or lecture them. We do it as friends.

Frankly, we need their partnership. We need their friendship.        [more]

Treasury Secretary John Snow comments on U.S.-Saudi cooperation in fighting terrorism

[Excerpt of prepared remarks made by Snow at a press conference on January 22, 2004]

"The United States and Saudi Arabia share a deep commitment to fighting the spread of terrorism in all its forms. The branches of al Haramain that we have singled out today not only assist in the pursuit of death and destruction; they deceive countless people around the world who believe that they have helped spread good will and good works. By working together to take action today and calling on the United Nations to do the same, our two countries send a clear message: those who hide intensions of terror behind a veil of benevolence and charity will not escape justice from the international community.

"Like the United States , the Saudis have been victims of al-Qaida. They are an important partner in the war on terrorist financing, and have taken important and welcome steps to fight terrorist financing," said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury John Snow.                                                     [more]