JEDDAH: The second American Saudi Culture and Commerce Festival that was held in Taif last week concluded on Friday with a Saudi-American cross-culture music show.
“This event is the culmination of our combined American and Saudi efforts to organize a festival here in the Taif region to showcase the diverse culture and commerce of the United States and its strong partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said US Consul General Marin Quinn.
The renowned Abo Siraj cultural band performed in Al-Kur resort in Taif with an American blues band during the conclusion of the three-day event. The two musical groups played individually and then came together to perform a fusion combination between the Hijazi and American music styles.
Makkah Province Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal inaugurated the festival last week. The first festival was held in Abha in 2007.
The festival, which was held at Taif’s Intercontinental Hotel, included various exhibitions and workshops including a “Study in America” booth, information about visas and commercial opportunities, art workshops for youth, photography and art exhibitions.
“This festival is special in many ways. It allows us to draw attention to the cultural and commercial ties between the two countries, and that is something we all can be proud of. This festival exemplifies how constructive the relationship between the two countries can be when we come together to share ideas,” said Quinn.
He noted that the longstanding ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have always been based on common interests and mutual respect and built on decades of cooperation and trust. “When I see the many ways in which the United States and Saudi Arabia are working together today in the Kingdom’s Western region — and this festival is a perfect example — I feel certain that the future of our friendship is brighter than ever,” he said.
Business is another central part of the US-Saudi relationship, he said, adding that for more than 40 years, America has been Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, and the Kingdom is the largest market for American products in the Middle East.
“In 1970, bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the US was $160 million. Today, the US-Saudi trade totals more than $67 billion. The Western region plays a vibrant role in this commercial relationship,” he said.
Quinn said that the US Consulate General is working in active partnership, in the Western region, with local and regional government, businesses educational and cultural institutions, and community organizations to promote exchange of all kinds. “Our two countries are developing programs and projects that benefit Saudi Arabia’s Western region and reflect the shared interests upon which our friendship is founded,” he said.
