U.S. Sells Defense Equipment to Saudis

Deal Valued at $29.4 Billion

Principal Deputy Press Secretary Joshua Earnest has stated that the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a government-to-government agreement under the Foreign Military Sales program to provide advanced F-15SA combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Valued at $29.4 billion, this agreement includes production of 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics.  These F-15SA aircraft, manufactured by The Boeing Company, are among the most sophisticated and capable aircraft in the world.

This agreement will positively impact the U.S. economy and further advances the president's commitment to create jobs by increasing exports.  According to industry experts, this agreement will support more than 50,000 American jobs, engaging 600 suppliers in 44 states, and providing $3.5 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy.

This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security.

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Obama: 'Crown Prince Sultan Dedicated Himself to the Welfare and Security of His People and Country'

Statement by the President on the Death of

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia

It was with great regret that I learned of the passing of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia. As Minister of Defense and Aviation for almost 50 years, Crown Prince Sultan dedicated himself to the welfare and security of his people and country and was a valued friend of the United States. He was a strong supporter of the deep and enduring partnership between our two countries forged almost seven decades ago in the historic meeting between President Roosevelt and King Abd al-Aziz Al Saud. On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest condolences to King Abdullah, the royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia.

Photo source: United States Department of Defense
Author: United States Department of Defense
Permission: Public Domain

White House Briefs

Disaster Averted!

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

Readout of the President's Call with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

President Obama spoke to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today about the successful disruption of the Iranian-directed conspiracy to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Washington, DC.

The President and the King agreed that this plot represents a flagrant violation of fundamental international norms, ethics, and law.

They also praised the work of intelligence and law enforcement agencies that led to the disruption of this plot, and reiterated the joint commitment on the part of the United States and Saudi Arabia to pursue a strong and unified international response that holds those responsible accountable for their actions.

Finally, the President and the King reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Photo source: Executive Office of the President of the United States (EOPUS)

Author: EOPUS

Permission: EOPUS

Saudi Arabia - Women Can Vote

King Abdullah announced women will be able to run for office and vote in municipal elections - four years from now.

Sources:CNNHuffington PosteuronewsGawker

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/saudi-arabia---women-can-vote/

By Steven Sparkman

Anchor: Anthony Martinez

Link provided by Newsy.com

The Obama Agenda: Expanding Responsible Oil Production in America

As part of his long-term plan to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, President Obama lays out his strategy to continue expanding safe and responsible domestic oil production.

NSA Donilon Meets with Saudi Leaders

Coat of Arms of Saudi Arabia

Statement from NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Donilon's Visit to Saudi Arabia and UAE

Today, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon concluded a positive and productive two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

On April 12, Mr. Donilon met with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud in Riyadh to discuss the broad range of shared strategic interests between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah and Mr. Donilon held comprehensive discussions on political, security, and economic issues. The discussions highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership rooted in strong historical ties and shared interests. On the subject of Yemen, Mr. Donilon commended the GCC’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.

On April 13, Mr. Donilon met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi for a wide-ranging discussion. They addressed U.S. and UAE common strategic interests in the region, and the ongoing importance of the broad partnership between their two countries. They also discussed the UAE’s important role as a member of the coalition enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1973 in Libya. Mr. Donilon conveyed an invitation from President Obama for the Crown Prince to meet in Washington later this month, which the Crown Prince accepted.

In his meetings in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Mr. Donilon and his hosts agreed upon the importance of continued frequent consultations between our countries.

Photo source: Own work
Author: Anuskafm
Permission: Public Domain

NSA Donilon to Travel to Saudi Arabia

National Security Advisor Tom Donilon

Visit Underscores Importance of U.S./Saudi Partnership

From April 11 to 13, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to meet with key leaders in each country and discuss regional issues. In Riyadh, Donilon will meet with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; in Abu Dhabi he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The National Security Advisor’s visit underscores the importance of U.S. relations with these two key partners.

Photo source: P072810PS-0078
Author: The White House
Permission: Public Domain