Arab News

LONDON: Joe Biden’s trip to Jeddah is “pivotal” in developing the Saudi-US partnership as well as delivering peace and prosperity for both nations and the world, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington said.

In a Politico opinion article on Thursday, Princess Reema bint Bandar wrote there was a lot that the two allies could achieve together, especially during these very perilious times.

The diplomat wrote that the days the relationship could be defined by “the outdated and reductionist ‘oil for security’ paradigm” had long gone.

The world has changed and the dangers facing it “cannot be resolved without an effective U.S.-Saudi alliance.”

Princess Reema said: “History has shown us that the United States and Saudi Arabia have emerged from every challenge stronger together, and the future should be no different.”

She listed the achievements of the partnership, from working together to “defeat Soviet communism, guarantee global energy security, contain a revolutionary Iran.”

“These priorities must guide the U.S.-Saudi partnership of the 21st century, and we view the visit of President Biden as an important moment for laying out our shared vision for how to tackle the challenges that lie ahead,” wrote the diplomat.

If the relationship was managed responsibly, both nations “can lead a global transition to renewables, while catapulting the Middle East into a new hub for global supply chains. We can and we must continue our important cooperation on counterterrorism, but we should go above and beyond current efforts”.

The efforts of the two nations should focus on building on cooperation and shoring up the rules-based system, confronting a vision of chaos promoted by Iran, she wrote.

Joe Biden will meet King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he arrives in Jeddah on Friday from Israel, the first leg of his two stop trip. He is also set to meet regional leaders at a summit on Saturday.

Princess Reema highlighted the reforms in the Kingdom, pointing to legal guarantees for women, and a commitment to tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

“The Saudi Arabia of today is barely recognizable from how it once looked, even just five years ago. Today, we are not just a global leader in energy, but also in investment and sustainable development. Through hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in education, technology, economic diversification and green energy, we have launched a transformation agenda that is unlocking the enormous potential of our young men and women.,” Princess Reema wrote.