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

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

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