US ambassador to Saudi Arabia reflects on his visit to Dhahran

RIYADH: The US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney has shared a video on his embassy’s Twitter page to highlight his first visit to Dhahran since taking office.

Ratney said in the video: “Almost 80 years ago, the United States established our first permanent diplomatic presence on the Arabian Peninsula in Dhahran.”

The embassy shares images of the historic opening in 1944 by Foreign Service Officer Parker T. Hart.

Ratney said that the links forged then in the Eastern Province have been strengthened in the US-Saudi partnership.

He added: “Now our relationship is much broader, and our economic, educational, and cultural ties in the province run deep.”

Ratney met Prince Saud bin Nayef, governor of the Eastern Province, during his visit. He also spoke to Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco, during a tour of the company’s headquarters. The two parties discussed bilateral relations between the countries.

The US ambassador said: “I also visited the cultural center and museum at Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture). I liked its beautiful architecture. It’s also a great example of community engagement, and a source of creativity and innovation for people of all ages.”

Ratney concluded the video by extending his gratitude for the generous hospitality he had experienced.

He previously used the US Embassy’s Twitter page as a platform to create videos extending messages of support and well wishes to the Saudi astronauts who took part in Axiom Mission 2. He has also created videos highlighting events hosted by the embassy.

Ratney was confirmed by the US Senate as ambassador to the Kingdom on March 14 in a voice vote. He said at the time that he was committed to a “strong and sustainable US-Saudi partnership that advances US interests and reflects US values.”

Ratney has held meetings with several Saudi officials following his appointment, including the Kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.