RIYADH : The charge d’affaires at the US Embassy, Christopher Henzel, reaffirmed the need for strong Saudi-US partnership, saying bilateral relations are important for regional security and stability, and for the health of the global economy.
The envoy was speaking at the US Independence Day celebration at the diplomatic quarter on Tuesday night, which was attended by Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar.
“In the Kingdom, the leadership is pursuing ambitious changes in order to equip Saudi Arabia to continue to develop and prosper into the new century,” said Henzel. “The relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia... is so important to both countries.”
He added that diplomatic ties were established in 1933, but the current relationship took root in 1945 when King Abdulaziz and President Franklin Roosevelt had their famous meeting aboard the USS Quincy in the Suez Canal.
“If you visit our embassy, there is a gallery near the entrance where historical photographs on display document meetings of every American president, from Roosevelt through to (Barack) Obama, with Saudi kings. They are a reminder of the long history of US-Saudi relations,” Henzel said.
“The two countries cooperated closely through the early years, and our partnership continued through the Cold War and... our joint effort to liberate Kuwait.
“Today, that partnership is as strong as ever because we share fundamental interests in the security and stability of the region, and in the health of the world’s economy,” he said.
“Our two countries have developed strong ties in important fields including the defense sector, where the Kingdom enjoys a strong relationship with the US military and with US industry. This includes military training and sales of defense systems like the F-15SA, the largest foreign military sale in US history.” The first four of these advanced aircraft recently joined the Saudi Air Force.
In the effort to combat terrorism, the US and Saudi governments have worked together closely for years, he said.
Bilateral trade amounted to nearly $35 billion in 2016, and according to the Education Ministry, there are roughly 75,000 Saudi students on scholarships at American universities, and another 15,000 paying for their tuition.
Henzel said the US is “fully supportive of the ambitious goals” of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020.
“As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its far-reaching development agenda, we anticipate that trade and commercial partnerships between our two economies will grow even further.”
Saudi-US partnership ‘as strong as ever’: US official
Saudi-US partnership ‘as strong as ever’: US official
Balad Beast brings global beats to historic streets
- ‘MDLBEAST put us on the international map,’ say Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash
JEDDAH: The music festival Balad Beast concluded its fourth edition this weekend, having transformed Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district of Al-Balad into an open-air celebration of music, culture and creativity that attracted thousands of music lovers over two nights.
The festival, organized by Saudi music platform MDLBEAST, featured more than 70 local, regional and international artists across four stages, offering audiences a diverse journey through electronic, hip-hop and global sounds.
Speaking to Arab News, MDLBEAST chief creative officer Ahmad Al-Ammary, also known as DJ Baloo, described Balad Beast as a “cultural takeover” adding that finding the right spaces for dance floors was a challenge, “but Balad is constantly evolving and we work with that change.”
Addressing the challenges of working in a heritage area, he said: “Balad is sensitive and condensed, so logistics can be complex. In our first year, heavy rain flooded one of the planned squares and we had to relocate the Souq Stage to a much smaller space, but it worked and it has remained there ever since.
HIGHLIGHT
Reggae superstar Shaggy noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“Yes, the alleys are narrow and the district is old, but they’re full of ideas, patterns, colors and visuals. Everything flows here,” he continued. “As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.”
Balad Beast featured performances from international artists including US rapper Playboi Carti, making his first appearance in Saudi Arabia; US rapper Destroy Lonely; Swedish DJ and producer Alesso; and Bosnian-German DJ Solomun on the opening night. The following night saw French-Haitian singer-songwriter Naïka, reggae superstar Shaggy, Dutch DJ Franky Rizardo, British DJ Pawsa, and US rapper Tyga, and more take the stage, while Saudi and regional artists including Cosmicat, TUL8TE, Zeina, Vinyl Mode, Moayed, Dish Dash, Musab, Varoo and HiFi appeared across the festival, offering audiences a mix of global and local talent.
Saudi electronic duo Dish Dash reflected on the festival organizer’s impact for local artists.
As a festival, it’s hard to define Balad, because it gives so much of itself creatively. It’s incredibly generous with its ideas and details, and inspiration comes from everywhere.
Ahmad Al-Ammary, MDLBEAST chief creative officer
“MDLBEAST put us on the international map,” the brothers told Arab News. “It helped us get recognized by festivals, promoters and event organizers abroad. When we travel, people don’t expect this level of talent coming from Saudi Arabia, especially considering we didn’t have this scene before.”
Shaggy, who performed a hit-filled set during the festival, told Arab News: “I’ve been blessed with some incredible songs, and I see music as a gift and a tool for service. When I go on stage, I’m there to entertain people, to make them smile and feel good, but that service also supports many livelihoods from the people working at this festival to those who work with me. These songs have become part of people’s lives, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Shaggy also noted that the reality of playing live in Saudi Arabia often surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
“I’ve performed in Saudi Arabia more than once, and while there are certain rules that are different, it’s not an issue for me. My focus is always on delivering the hits and giving the audience a great time,” he said.
“There’s a big misconception. People have more freedom than (outsiders) think. Everyone has been extremely nice.”
Asked what advice he would offer to aspiring artists, Shaggy said: “Understand that what you’re given is a gift and a form of service. Stay humble, do the work, and remember why you’re doing it.”
As Al-Ammary noted, there are many such aspiring artists now making a name for themselves in the Kingdom.
“Talent is emerging everywhere, at different levels,” he said. “The scene is still in a mysterious and surprising phase. There’s a rawness to it.”
