Katrina: US Thanks Kingdom for All-Out Support

RIYADH, 9 September 2005 — The United States Embassy thanked Saudi Arabia and expressed its profound gratitude to the people and the Saudi government “for many expressions of support, sympathy and concern in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.” The embassy, in a statement released here yesterday, appreciated “the generous pledges of assistance for relief and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by the hurricane.”

Saudi Arabia has offered all assistance to the US in the wake of this natural calamity. Early this month, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah also called President George W. Bush to offer assistance.

“The American people take heart from the fact that so many of our friends around the world are responding to this human tragedy,” said the embassy statement. “In more than 60 years of friendship, Saudi Arabia and the US have stood together through many difficult times. We are grateful that once again our friends in Saudi Arabia are standing with us in the face of adversity,” the statement said.

The US Embassy statement said the Consulate General in Dhahran had resumed normal operations from Sept. 7, but, a Warden Message released by the embassy urged US citizens “to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”

“American citizens are advised to exercise caution and maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners or in primarily Western environments; keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel; and ensure that travel documents and visas are valid,” said the message. For the latest security information Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current announcements and warnings can be found.