WASHINGTON, 12 December 2003 — The US Senate confirmed the appointment of Texas oilman James C. Oberwetter as ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Oberwetter, 59, is senior vice president of governmental and public affairs at Hunt Oil in Dallas, Texas. He is also a close friend of the Bush family — a link which many of his acquaintances make much of.
Prior to joining Hunt 29 years ago, Oberwetter served as press secretary to then Houston Congressman George H. W. Bush. When Bush was elected president, Oberwetter worked as a member of the Bush transition team in Washington, D.C. He then served at the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Robert Jordan, the outgoing US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia who ended his tour early, approves of the choice.
“It’s an excellent appointment. Jim is very well qualified to represent both the president and the American people at this very important time in our relationship with Saudi Arabia,” Jordan told Arab News from Dallas, Texas.
Jordan said he has spoken with Oberwetter about his new job. “I’ve spent some time with him since his nomination was announced, and have given him my views on the job and what he should look forward to while there.”
Tom Meurer, senior vice president at Hunt Oil Company, also highlighted the Bush connection.
“I think it’s excellent,” Meurer told Arab News earlier yesterday from Dallas. “Jim is obviously an extremely capable individual, and he has a long history with the Bush family.
“He went to work with Hunt Oil in 1974, but always kept his close relations with the Bush family, and he’s been an active member in Republican Party politics for the last 30 years. He was one of the key drivers for the success of the Republican Party in Texas,” said Meurer.
