RIYADH, 21 July 2005 — The Saudi ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar ibn Sultan, has resigned from office after serving his country for two decades, a statement from the Foreign Ministry carried by the Saudi Press Agency said yesterday.
“After the long years served by Prince Bandar ibn Sultan as the ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States — which has exceeded 20 years and during which he served his religion, country, and the king — he has asked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd to be relieved from his post due to personal reasons,” the statement said.
The statement added that the king had accepted his resignation.
“Confirming the king’s trust in Prince Turki Al-Faisal, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the king has nominated him as the new ambassador of the Kingdom to the United States,” it added.
Prince Turki thanked King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah for the new appointment. “I am proud of this confidence of the Saudi leadership in me,” he said and hoped that he would be able to represent the Kingdom and its interests in the US in the best manner.
“I am aware of the great responsibility given the importance of Saudi-US relations,” he said and commended Prince Bandar’s efforts in strengthening these strategic ties.
On his part, Prince Bandar thanked the Saudi leadership for their continued support throughout his long career in Washington. He also thanked the diplomats and other staff who worked with him.
He said Prince Turki was the right person to take up the post left by him. “He is the right person, in the right place and at the right time,” he said. During his 39 years of government service, Prince Bandar had also worked for the armed forces.
Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, lauded Prince Bandar’s efforts in Washington, saying he was among the best and one who served the interests of the country.
“Prince Bandar’s efforts were visible. And he was among the most active ambassadors serving his country. He knew exactly what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wanted from the United States and what the United States wanted from Saudi Arabia. The role he played over the past two decades was important in the Saudi-US relations, especially in the last phase,” he said.
“At the current stage, and after the last visit to the United States by Crown Prince Abdullah, Prince Bandar also played an important role in reshaping Saudi-US relations. Thanks to our leaders’ efforts and his efforts there, the United States considers Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner and a friend,” he added.
Al-Jeraisy said that the United States and Saudi Arabia share many common interests and that the Kingdom’s policies have made it a partnership in the peace and prosperity of the region.
He said he was confident that Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the new ambassador to the United States, would help in strengthening Saudi-US relations even more due to his wide experience and his service for the country in many fields.
Osama Al-Kurdi, a member of the Shoura Council, said: “Despite Saudi Arabia having excellent ambassadors all over the world, there is no doubt that Prince Bandar was able to overshadow all of them.”
Al-Kurdi said that Prince Bandar was gifted by having the knowledge of Washington and was known for his ability not just to follow events but to analyze them.
“He provided services not only to Saudi Arabia, but to the Arab cause and to the Palestinian cause,” he said, adding that “he was well-informed and well-connected”.
