US impressed with pace of modernization in Kingdom

I would like to congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia on this joyful and patriotic day. The partnership my country enjoys with Saudi Arabia is one of our closest and most valued relationships in the region, and indeed in the world. Over many decades, Saudi Arabia and the United States have worked together to tackle some of the toughest challenges in the region, and that partnership continues to widen and grow stronger.
Our shared interests in regional security, trade, investment, and energy form part of the bedrock of our relations. I am also particularly proud of the partnerships between Saudi universities and over 80 US institutions, and the thousands of Saudi students studying in the United States under the King Abdullah Scholarship program.
Saudi Arabia is a country undergoing significant growth and modernization. Its place on the world stage is growing in importance and responsibility. From that fateful day in 1944 when President Roosevelt met with King Abdul Aziz on the USS Quincy and gave US recognition and support to this new country, our friendship, economic and political ties have grown and strengthened. Our leaders have affirmed the strong bond and partnership between our peoples. I wish a peaceful and prosperous National Day to the people of Saudi Arabia.

Joseph W. Westphal
Ambassador of US