Optimistic to extend Saudi American relations

known as F-15 combat pilot; now you enjoy the confidence of the White House as its envoy to Saudi Arabia. Could you give us some detailed biographic information of you and your family? As a member of the United States military for 28 years, I was proud to serve my country and I see my mission here in Saudi Arabia as a way to continue that service. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a long relationship and the two nations are close friends and allies. It was a great honor and pleasure for me to be asked by the President of the United States to be our nation’s representative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My wife Janet and I have greatly enjoyed our time in the Kingdom as we have worked closely with our Embassy’s staff to facilitate and strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Adulaziz Al Saud. I have been very fortunate in my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with great men and women in the military, in the private sector, and in civilian government. In each phase of my career I have appreciated the opportunities to work with people from diverse areas of expertise or different backgrounds. I believe in the importance of learning from those who are around me and believe that intellectual curiosity and cooperation are necessary elements to growth and success, whether personal or professional. In the more than three years that we have been in Saudi Arabia, my wife and I have greatly enjoyed interacting with Saudis on a wide range of issues and in many different contexts. We are grateful for the hospitality of our Saudi hosts and for the many enjoyable and rewarding experiences we have had here. We have appreciated the opportunity we have had to not only learn about this great Kingdom, but also to share with the Saudis my own country. Are you satisfied with your work? Please tell us about some of your notable accomplishments and achievements? Yes, I am very satisfied with my work and accomplishments here in the Kingdom. In the three plus years that my wife and I have lived and worked in the Kingdom, we have been able to see the U.S.-Saudi relationship grow in a number of ways, especially the stronger and increasingly diversified trade and business relationship between the two countries. My work here has been extremely rewarding and I am very satisfied by the continued progress that our two nations are making in achieving our mutual goals. Whenever I have the opportunity to speak with Saudi business leaders, I can see how new business opportunities and increasing trade ties add depth to our bilateral relationship. Would you assess the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, whose foundation was laid in the first meeting between the founder, late King Abdulaziz, and President Roosevelt in 1945?