Riyadh: Hall Delano Roosevelt, the Second President and CEO of the National Council on US-Arab Relations, shared insights with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) regarding the historic meeting between his grandfather, the late US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in 1945.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Roosevelt, who also held the position of President and CEO of the US-Saudi Business Council, emphasized the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States during his discussion with SPA.
Roosevelt reflected on significant historical milestones that have reinforced these ties, noting that the meeting between the founder king and President Roosevelt marked a crucial turning point in bilateral cooperation. He recounted the memorable gathering aboard the American cruiser USS Quincy, where the leaders discussed areas of collaboration, such as agricultural and industrial development and energy. At that time, Saudi Arabia aimed to leverage its natural resources and form effective international partnerships to support its development goals.
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening communication and laid the groundwork for a strategic partnership that has since experienced decades of progress across various sectors. Roosevelt highlighted that the Saudi-American relationship is founded on shared interests, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation. He underscored the necessity for ongoing dialogue and integrated efforts to support security, stability, and development both regionally and globally.
As US President Donald J. Trump arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday, Roosevelt remarked that this visit carries positive implications and strategic aspirations that will enhance security and stability, serving the mutual interests of countries in the Middle East and beyond.