Press Release
For Immediate Release
Embassy of the United States of America
February 15, 2023
Eight Decades of an Enduring and Valuable Partnership
On February 14, the Embassy of the United States of America commemorated the 247th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America with a celebration hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Denison Offutt. In the presence of United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Daniel Benaim, the Embassy welcomed guest of honor Acting Under Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Alsmari, distinguished Saudi officials, and hundreds of Saudi guests.
The theme of the National Day celebration was “Route 66,” a historic highway stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California that was instrumental to the country’s development and captures the spirit of America during the period of 1930-1960. This is the same timeframe during which the United States and Saudi Arabia forged their partnership. We celebrate the independence of the United States on the anniversary of the first meeting between President Roosevelt and His Majesty King Abdulaziz aboard the USS Quincy on February 14, 1945, a historic date for both of our nations.
The United States and Saudi Arabia’s enduring and strategic partnership has evolved over eight decades of advancing our shared interests. The United States remains committed to bolstering Saudi security and enabling prosperity and peace both in Saudi Arabia and throughout the broader region. We are also vital economic partners, with over $35 billion in two-way trade in 2022, demonstrating that U.S. companies support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. We are steadfastly committed to expanding the existing ties between our two countries while establishing the ties that will carry the relationship forward and into the future.
