Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi ambassador to the US, was also present at the graduation ceremony.

Around 43,500 Saudi students are currently studying in all parts of the United States.

In his videotaped message to the Saudi graduates at the graduation ceremony of the 4th wave of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program on Saturday, US Ambassador James B. Smith congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his vision and leadership. He added: “Mabrook to all the 2011 graduates, your families, and to all participants and institutions cooperating with the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. This is a happy and memorable day for both our countries. As the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I am proud to see that you have opted to study the United States and to be open to new ideas and perhaps new ways of looking at the world.

“You are among the more than 43,500 Saudi students studying in the US partly because of your positive experience here, an additional 5,000 Saudi students will be part of the sixth wave of the KASP program next year. I salute your success. This is not a responsibility we take lightly, and I thank you for your trust in the United States.”

The ambassador also hoped that the Saudi students had good experiences in the US.

“I also hope that you have made American friends and enjoyed your time here, that you have made the time to explore and ask questions. I certainly hope that you have had the opportunity to experience the great hospitality and generosity of Americans, as I am certainly learning, making friends, and enjoying my time in your great country. We are all part of the exchange between our two nations. This exchange works because it is a two-way exchange,” he said, adding, “Among the many things that I hope you take away from your American experience is an appreciation for some of the positive aspects of America and the American character.”