New US ambassador meeting today with his ‘Saudi friends’

New US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Joseph W. Westphal is set to meet on Monday a large number of his “Saudi friends” from the government, business communities and friendly countries at a grand celebration of the country’s 238th anniversary of its Independence Day, according to an embassy source here.
Westphal arrived here last week to take up his diplomatic assignment.
The ambassador reportedly emphasized the enduring and strategic ties between the two countries and their role to bring stability to global energy markets working together to confront regional challenges such as Syria, Iran, Egypt, and Yemen, even as they pursue Middle East peace process.
In his congratulatory message on the ninth anniversary of King Abdullah’s ascension to the throne, Dr. Westphal said: “We commend you for your far-sighted leadership of the Kingdom and look forward to continuing our cooperation for the benefit of both the American and Saudi people.”
He said under King Abdullah’s leadership the enduring and strategic ties between the two countries have continued to deepen while “we welcome the tens of thousands of young Saudis studying in the US.”
His 40-year career graph include his holding of various positions under presidential administrations of Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.