The US Consul General in the Western Region, Asaad Faris, confirmed to “Okaz” that Saudi Arabia’s imprint is in its great people. Who is distinguished by generosity and generosity, and in his dialogue with “Okaz” he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Saudi people, noting the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, pointing out that the relations between the two countries are strong and go back to more than 78 years.
He explained that the transformation that took place in Saudi Arabia over the past years is amazing, as Vision 2030 contributed to diversifying the economy in various fields and created new sectors. Such as entertainment, tourism, and the creative environment.
He stated that the United States is working, side by side, with its allies and partners to enhance an international policy environment, and build partnerships that enhance capabilities in artificial intelligence technologies..and to the details of the dialogue:
Excellent relationships and great people
• Saudi Arabia and the United States enjoy distinguished bilateral relations. What can be done to improve relations, in terms of easing visa protocols for tourists and scholarship students who visit the United States to study?
A: Yes, since then, we have witnessed tremendous growth in our relationship with the Saudi government, and the relations now extend to include the educational, economic and cultural fields, as well as personal friendships between Americans and Saudis, which extend for years and decades, and the facilitation of legitimate travel leads to the flourishing and strengthening of these relations between our people and our partnerships, promoting mutual understanding between American and Saudi citizens. During US President Biden's visit to Jeddah, the White House announced that, as of August 1, 2022, the validity of B1 / B2 visitor visas for Saudi citizens has been extended from 5 to 10 years, and this achievement is a direct result of the depth of the productive relations it enjoys. United States and Saudi Arabia.
Finally, we have expanded the interview waiver program for Saudi nationals who renew their visit visas to include certain applicants who are 40 years of age or older, or who are 17 years of age or younger, and this program exempts some applicants who qualify for the waiver program from attending an interview.
I would like to add that thousands of Saudi students travel to the United States every year to pursue their higher education, and hundreds of Saudis travel to participate in cultural and educational exchange programs funded by the US government, and we give priority to visa appointments for students, in order to ensure the arrival and enrollment of these students in their studies in The specified time. Similarly, we provide urgent appointments for medical and humanitarian travel, in addition to urgent business trips, and the Consular Section is responsible for providing visa services.
I would also like to add that the imprint of Saudi Arabia is in its great people, who are distinguished by generosity and generosity. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to the Saudi people for welcoming us, and we are pleased to host them in the United States.
Positive results and amazing transformation
• What is the impression of American citizens in the United States of Saudi Arabia?
•• In general, American citizens note the positive results of the Kingdom's Vision 2023 since its inception, and it is amazing to witness the transformation that has occurred in Saudi Arabia over the past years, as Vision 2030 has contributed to the diversification of the economy in various fields and new sectors such as entertainment, tourism and the creative environment, which We witnessed it in many events such as the Red Sea International Film Festival; We organized our pioneering training courses in the Middle East Media Initiative for aspiring Arab TV scriptwriters and producers, the Formula1 Grand Prix of an American company, in addition to many other initiatives, and we are proud to contribute to supporting and promoting such positive initiatives.
An education suitable for the labor market
• With the emphasis of the Ministry of Education on providing a comprehensive base for its students in Saudi Arabia through new and innovative teaching techniques, what advantage does the United States still enjoy as an attractive factor for students?
•• One of the goals of Vision 2030 is to provide Saudi youth with education and skills that are commensurate with the needs of the labor market, and students are looking for the best education available, and American universities provide exactly that, as American universities provide access to accredited academics and provide academic research facilities, in addition to providing campuses Picturesque in rural areas and in cities.
The United States is pleased to host thousands of Saudi students studying in the United States, and last year alone, 18,000 Saudi students were enrolled in American colleges and universities. Saudi Arabia ranks first in the Middle East and seventh in the world in enrolling its students in US universities for a world-class education.
EdUSA Counseling Services at the US Embassy and Consulates are accredited counseling centers affiliated with the US Department of State. Basic services include college advising, standardized test information, education-related publications, pre-departure guidance, and scholarship opportunities.
Also, in cooperation with the Government of Saudi Arabia, the United States offers several educational and cultural exchange programs designed to give young Saudi leaders enriching academic, professional, and personal experiences. These programs also seek to increase mutual understanding between the people of Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Energy opportunities and diversification of the economy
• How can the United States participate in the Kingdom's growth, especially with Saudi Arabia's focus on artificial intelligence, technology, and renewable energy sources?
A: Certainly, American companies have worked closely with Saudi partners since the beginning of the relationship between our two countries as true partners to achieve results that benefit both Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Together with our allies and partners, the United States is strengthening an international policy environment, and we are working to build partnerships that enhance our capabilities in artificial intelligence technologies, protect our national and economic security, and advance our values.
Accordingly, we are engaged in many bilateral and multilateral discussions to support responsible development and the use of trustworthy AI technologies, and US companies with renewable energy experts are encouraged to explore business opportunities in the Kingdom's increasingly diversified energy sector.
And I would like to add that Vision 2030 has led to the start of the Kingdom's transformation into a more welcoming destination for business and tourism, and has also contributed to the country's diversification of its economy, and the United States remains committed to being the preferred economic partner for Saudi Arabia.
The Office of Commercial Services at the US Consulate General also provides a range of services and programs to assist US companies interested in doing business in Saudi Arabia and exporting to it.
Mining and industry capabilities
• How can the United States participate with Saudi Arabia in its endeavor to become a leader in the field of minerals, especially with the increasing number of belts in the mining sector in the Empty Quarter and various regions of the Kingdom?
•• Our Commercial Services Office follows and responds to market changes, and just last year we identified mining as one of our 9 priority sectors, and we follow this sector and key players closely to match opportunities with the needs and capabilities of American industry, and our Commercial Office attended the Future Minerals Forum last month and sees Good opportunities for exploration.
Hassan Baswaid (Jeddah) @baswaid
