From The History of the Saudi-US Relationship

Secretary Rumsfeld Joint Interview with Prince Sultan

(Joint press conference with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan, Prince Sultan's Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

October 3, 2001

Prince Sultan: -- The friendship established long ago between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on frankness and serves the interests of both the American and the Saudi people. As you know, your Excellency, this country is a holy country. It is distinguished by having the two holy mosques and the Qibla which is for all Muslims all over the world. Muslims direct their faces to the Qibla five times a day. Hence, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership and people are obliged to serve all Muslims and humanity all over the world and to respect all the divine religions which came by messenger from the prophets Moses, Jesus and Prophet Mohammed, may peace be upon them all. I would like to state once again that we are friends, and our friendship leads to all good things and benefits both our countries and also recognizes the divinity of service of Muslim and Arabs and this has been the approach of the people of Saudi Arabia throughout our history.

Secretary Rumsfeld: Your Royal Highness, may I on behalf of President Bush and the people of the United States thank you for your hospitality and the privilege of meeting with His Majesty King Fahd and the Crown Prince. This has been an important day for us, to have the chance to be here to express our personal appreciation to you for the sympathy that your government has offered concerning the tragic events that took place in the United States. I've been to this country a number of times over the years and benefited from the friendships and the relationships, and I recognize the importance of the Kingdom's responsibility to the holy places. Our delegation includes civilians and military personnel, people who have participated with your country in important activities over the years, both civilian and military. We are here of course at a time when President Bush is determined to do what can humanly be done to deal with the problem of terrorism across the globe. He has resolved to proceed in a measured and thoughtful way across the broad front, doing what is possible to provide for the self-defense of the United States and friends and allies and deployed forces across the globe. We are grateful for the wonderful, spontaneous cooperation we have received from so many nations, and for the expressions we have received from your country. We thank you so much for your hospitality.

Question: (Inaudible question about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process)

Secretary Rumsfeld: In response to the second question, President Bush made a statement that the United States is very much in support of the Mitchell approach and regards both President Bush and Secretary Powell and working with both sides of the process attempting to bring them together and we're pleased that the meeting took place between Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and the PLO representative Mr. Arafat.

Question: (Inaudible question about whether the U.S. intends to continue the fight against terrorism beyond current concerns about bin Laden and the Taliban.)

Secretary Rumsfeld: First, the concern the United States has with respect to terrorism and the devastating attack on the United States, goes well beyond the Taliban. And as President Bush has indicated, we are anxious to have the support of countries across the globe, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in any way and in any aspect of the fight against terrorism that is appropriate for those countries. As His Royal Highness said, the United States and Saudi Arabia have a long and close relationship and we were deeply gratified when the spontaneous support that came from the officials in this country and expressions of sympathy with respect to the tragic loss of life in the United States.

Question: I have a question for the Prince. The United States has asked organizations to freeze or impound the funding of 27 organizations that are linked to bin Laden. Saudi Arabia has not yet agreed to take this step. Will Saudi Arabia agree to do this, and what specific military activities is your government prepared to offer us? Will you allow the United States to have a combat air center here? Will you allow the United States to fly bombing missions against the Taliban? Will you allow the United States to board aircraft for refueling and other purposes?

Prince Sultan: First of all, I would like to stress that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not approve by any means and does not agree by any means to the support of terrorism, terrorists or criminals in any way, and there is nobody in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who funds such groups. And if we find them, we will take all the necessary measures in that respect. As far as any request from the United States for support or any support the Kingdom will be making, there are no such requests presented by the United States at present. This matter was not a point of discussion between the two sides. Thank you.

Click here to read the complete transcript.

Source:  U.S. Department of Defense

                                                                                                                                             Back to top