Latest news with #USSQuincy
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Gulf trades trigger Texas tremors
'I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.' — G K Chesterton As US President Donald Trump concluded his Gulf tour, former President Jimmy Carter's speech on July 15, 1979 couldn't be more relevant: 'I am tonight setting a clear goal for the energy policy of the US. Beginning this moment, this nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977—never.' The foundation of a long-lasting friendship between the US and the Saudi kingdom was laid on Valentine's Day in 1945, when President Franklin D Roosevelt and King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud met aboard USS Quincy on the Suez Canal. The bonhomie translated into an arrangement that provided military security to the monarchy and guaranteed oil supplies to the republic. Within three years, a consortium led by Standard Oil Company of California discovered the Ghawar oil field (later to be a part of Saudi Aramco), the world's largest, in the Saudi desert. It heralded the kingdom's undisputed leadership as the largest player in global oil exports, ushering interdependency between the two countries. In 1977, OPEC provided 85 percent of its crude oil to the US, with Saudi Arabia the single largest source. Against 8.5 million barrels per day of supplies almost five decades back, the figure prognostically remained at 8.44 mbpd in 2024. The Canadian Oil patch currently accounts for more than 60 percent of the US import basket. Keen to reclaim its share after having ceded it to 'opportunists' within the cartel who erred on quota directives, Saudi Arabia initiated to open the spigots May onwards. Kazakhstan, Iraq and the UAE constantly breached their allocations. Kazakhstan's Tengiz oilfield, the world's sixth largest, is ironically owned and operated as a joint venture between the Kazakh government and American majors Chevron and ExxonMobil, with the latter two together holding 75 percent. Export of nearly 80 percent of Kazakh crude from this oilfield is facilitated by the Russia-controlled Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Such are the complexities of the oil industry, where collaborations flourish sans frontières.
Bloomberg
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Saudi Arabia Plays Trump Card in US-China Dance
A 1945 meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz Al Saud might be regarded as something of interest only to modern-history buffs. But this week, images of that pivotal tête-à-tête between the US and Saudi leaders circulated in news and social media as President Donald Trump visited the Middle East. While Trump's tour — his first major overseas trip since taking office for the second time — was consequential, it would be a challenge to put it on par with Roosevelt's rendezvous with Ibn Saud on the cruiser USS Quincy, after which the Americans provided for Saudi security and the Saudis provided oil. But Riyadh, and other governments in the region, had every interest in playing up Trump's visit as momentous. It's part of a broader strategy of balancing between the US and China.
Saudi Gazette
12-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi-US ties: A strategic partnership built on trust, vision, and shared global responsibility
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — For over nine decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have cultivated a deep-rooted relationship defined by mutual respect, shared interests, and strategic alignment. What began in 1933 with the signing of a cooperation agreement has evolved into one of the most enduring and multifaceted partnerships in modern international relations. Founding ties and a historic encounter The signing of the 1933 oil concession agreement marked the formal beginning of bilateral relations, soon followed by joint ventures such as the California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC), which later became Aramco. However, the symbolic cementing of this relationship came with the historic meeting between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt on board the USS Quincy on February 14, 1945. That unprecedented encounter laid the foundation for decades of strategic partnership built on trust, stability, and mutual benefit. Strategic alignment across generations Throughout the decades, successive Saudi monarchs and American presidents have worked to strengthen this partnership. The bilateral relationship has been pivotal to global energy security, regional stability, and economic cooperation. In September 2015, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visited Washington, D.C., where he met with President Barack Obama at the White House to reinforce bilateral ties. Under the guidance of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman further deepened relations through high-level visits and strategic dialogues. His official visit to the United States in March 2017, during which he met President Donald Trump and senior officials, laid the groundwork for expanding cooperation in defense, investment, and regional affairs. In May 2017, Riyadh hosted President Trump in his first foreign visit since taking office. The visit culminated in the signing of the Saudi-U.S. Strategic Vision Declaration and economic agreements worth over $280 billion. The deals were designed to localize technology, create jobs in both nations, and foster long-term cooperation in energy, industry, and security. A shared vision for peace and prosperity That same summit witnessed the launch of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) and the hosting of both the GCC-U.S. Summit and the Arab-Islamic-American Summit. These gatherings underlined shared leadership of Saudi Arabia and America in the fight against extremism and terrorism. Furthering these efforts, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Washington in March 2018. During that visit, both leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Saudi partnership and explored opportunities under Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom's economy and deepen trade and defense collaboration. Reinforcing ties in a changing global landscape In July 2022, President Joe Biden visited Saudi Arabia and met with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussions focused on regional stability, climate cooperation, and energy security. The leaders also signed 18 memoranda and agreements in sectors including energy, health, technology, space, and clean power. The United States welcomed Saudi Arabia's initiatives such as the Saudi Green and Middle East Green programs, its leadership in climate forums, and its aim to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Washington also recognized the importance of Vision 2030 and commended Riyadh's economic reforms, women's empowerment, and efforts to promote religious dialogue. Economic stellar pillar Trade and investment remain central to the bilateral relationship. In 2024, bilateral trade totaled approximately $32 billion, with Saudi exports to the U.S. reaching $13 billion—including key non-oil exports such as metals, fertilizers, and organic chemicals. U.S. exports to the Kingdom stood at $19 billion, led by industrial equipment, vehicles, and medical instruments. American companies have long played a vital role in the Saudi market, and vice versa. In 2024, U.S. foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia totaled $15.3 billion, while the U.S. remained one of the Kingdom's most significant economic partners. Opportunities are also growing under Vision 2030, particularly in sectors like mining, clean energy, tourism, health, finance, and space. The U.S.-Saudi Business Council has played a key role in facilitating commercial projects between companies from both nations. Clean energy, climate action, and digital infrastructure In September 2023, both governments signed a memorandum of understanding to develop cross-continental 'green corridors' enabling the transmission of renewable electricity and clean hydrogen via cables, pipelines, and rail links. This effort also aims to enhance digital trade through fiber optic networks and improve global energy resilience. Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a leading exporter of clean hydrogen by 2030 is aligned with U.S. interests in energy innovation. Both nations are working together to define hydrogen standards, share technologies, and develop commercial models that support a cleaner future. Defense, innovation, and outer space collaboration Security cooperation continues to anchor bilateral ties. Agreements signed in recent years include defense modernization plans, joint manufacturing of Black Hawk helicopters, and military industry partnerships. In space, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. signed strategic cooperation agreements in 2023 and 2024 aimed at joint exploration, peaceful use of space, and commercial partnerships in earth sciences, navigation, and research. A comprehensive legal framework now supports this expanding frontier. In higher education, a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 promotes academic exchange and collaborative research. Over 14,800 Saudi students are enrolled in U.S. universities in 2025, part of a broader legacy of over 500,000 Saudi students educated in America since 2006. Culture, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties Cultural cooperation has expanded significantly. The Ministry of Culture and its affiliates have launched multiple exchange programs in cinema, music, visual arts, and performance arts. American artists regularly participate in Saudi events, and vice versa, fostering deeper mutual understanding. American citizens continue to live and work in the Kingdom, drawn by its vibrant economy and reforms. Thousands of Americans reside in Saudi Arabia, contributing to business, education, and scientific research. The opening of the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia in 2021 reflects the private sector's confidence in the Kingdom's economic transformation and business opportunities. A forward-looking alliance In November 2024, Saudi leadership congratulated President Donald Trump on his electoral victory, reaffirming the strength of bilateral ties. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman followed with a congratulatory call upon President Trump's inauguration in January 2025, during which both leaders discussed advancing peace in the Middle East, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding investment. In early 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted quiet rounds of dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation, reaffirming its commitment to global stability and diplomacy. A legacy of partnership, a future of opportunity The Saudi-U.S. relationship, born in the sands of economic necessity and nurtured by decades of diplomatic foresight, stands today as a beacon of global cooperation. From the historic meeting of King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt to the strategic visits of modern leaders, the two nations have consistently reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress. As Saudi Arabia advances toward Vision 2030 and the U.S. adapts to new global challenges, both countries remain united by a common goal: building a safer, more interconnected, and more sustainable world.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia in good and bad times
By Abdelhamid Mekawy, Menna AlaaElDin and Ahmed Tolba DUBAI (Reuters) - Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia this week, 80 years after President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the foundations of longstanding Saudi-U.S. relations based on an ironclad arrangement - the kingdom pumps oil, and the superpower provides security. Here is a timeline of U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter and one of Washington's most important allies. Roosevelt - 1945: Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, held landmark talks with Roosevelt aboard the American warship USS Quincy docked in the Suez Canal, the first meeting between a U.S. president and a Saudi monarch. During the meeting Roosevelt gifted the king, who had problems walking, a wheelchair. "I shall use it daily and always recall affectionately the giver, my great and good friend," the king said, according to a U.S. government archive website. The king told Roosevelt that "the Arabs would choose to die rather than yield their lands to the Jews", according to the website, a burning topic until this day. Richard Nixon - 1974: The first visit by a U.S. president to the kingdom took place in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, 29 years after Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz's meeting. Nixon's visit aimed to repair strained relations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. The conflict rattled U.S. policymakers after King Faisal imposed an oil supply embargo against the U.S. and other countries for their support of Israel, shocking economies. "We need wisdom," Nixon said in his toast during a state dinner hosted by the king, according to the Richard Nixon Foundation. Jimmy Carter - 1978: The main point of discussion between Carter and King Khalid in Riyadh was the Arab desire to establish a Palestinian state. Carter sought to reach a common understanding for a transitional period to reach that goal. The efforts did not change the de facto situation on the ground, with Israel still occupying land Palestinians want for a future state. George H.W. Bush - 1990 and 1992: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 brought the U.S. and Saudi Arabia closer, with the kingdom approving the highly sensitive deployment of U.S. troops on its land, the birthplace of Islam. Saudi Arabia had approved the deployment to deter a possible expansion of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's military campaign against the kingdom. Bush visited American troops stationed in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran. He met with King Fahd for a second time in 1992 in the aftermath of the war and discussed the stability of the Gulf. Bill Clinton - 1994: King Fahd received President Clinton in the King Khalid Military City as the oil-rich region was still on alert for any new moves by Saddam, even after his forces were routed and forced to leave Kuwait. The two discussed Iraq, but Clinton's bid to boost the U.S. aircraft industry was at the top of the agenda. A year later, Saudi Arabia signed a $6 billion jet deal with Boeing and McDonnell. George W. Bush - 2008: During Bush's first visit to Riyadh, he signed an agreement with King Abdullah in connection with the kingdom's civilian nuclear energy program. The two agreed they would support efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, five years after the U.S. invaded Iraq under Bush. Iran's growing regional influence prompted a second visit the same year to rally Arab support to contain Tehran. Barack Obama - 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016: President Obama met twice with King Abdullah and twice with King Salman in a total of four visits to the kingdom during his two terms. Relations between his Democratic administration and the kingdom were cold under King Salman, with the Gulf country raising concerns that Washington's commitment to its security was diminishing. The kingdom's frustration peaked after Obama brokered a 2015 pact between its arch foe Iran and six global powers to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Gulf Arab states deemed Iran's nuclear programme a threat, while Tehran said it was only for peaceful purposes. Donald Trump - 2017: Unlike his predecessor, President Trump received a hero's welcome during his first-term visit to Riyadh. He danced with swords in traditional Saudi ceremonies and sealed a $110 billion arms deal. The image of him placing his hands on a glowing orb with King Salman to formally open a new centre to combat extremism went viral on the internet. Trump defended his administration's ties to Saudi Arabia a year later, despite the killing of U.S.-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in the kingdom's consulate in Turkey causing a global uproar. Joe Biden - 2022: President Biden was not received as warmly after his campaign pledge to make the kingdom "a pariah" and his promises to take a tougher stance on its human rights record, particularly regarding Khashoggi's killing. The tensions manifested in an awkward fist bump between Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MbS, during the visit instead of a formal handshake. That scene, including a wordless exchange, was a defining image of a sensitive trip that failed to yield much for the U.S.
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia in good and bad times
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a family photo with Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and other heads of state at the Gulf Cooperation Council leaders summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 21, 2017. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump sits down to a meeting with of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, including Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during their summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 21, 2017. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al Murabba Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. Picture taken May 20, 2017. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a reception ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2017. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia in good and bad times DUBAI - Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia this week, 80 years after President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the foundations of longstanding Saudi-U.S. relations based on an ironclad arrangement - the kingdom pumps oil, and the superpower provides security. Here is a timeline of U.S. presidential visits to Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter and one of Washington's most important allies. Roosevelt - 1945: Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, held landmark talks with Roosevelt aboard the American warship USS Quincy docked in the Suez Canal, the first meeting between a U.S. president and a Saudi monarch. During the meeting Roosevelt gifted the king, who had problems walking, a wheelchair. "I shall use it daily and always recall affectionately the giver, my great and good friend," the king said, according to a U.S. government archive website. The king told Roosevelt that "the Arabs would choose to die rather than yield their lands to the Jews", according to the website, a burning topic until this day. Richard Nixon - 1974: The first visit by a U.S. president to the kingdom took place in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, 29 years after Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz's meeting. Nixon's visit aimed to repair strained relations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. The conflict rattled U.S. policymakers after King Faisal imposed an oil supply embargo against the U.S. and other countries for their support of Israel, shocking economies. "We need wisdom," Nixon said in his toast during a state dinner hosted by the king, according to the Richard Nixon Foundation. Jimmy Carter - 1978: The main point of discussion between Carter and King Khalid in Riyadh was the Arab desire to establish a Palestinian state. Carter sought to reach a common understanding for a transitional period to reach that goal. The efforts did not change the de facto situation on the ground, with Israel still occupying land Palestinians want for a future state. George H.W. Bush - 1990 and 1992: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 brought the U.S. and Saudi Arabia closer, with the kingdom approving the highly sensitive deployment of U.S. troops on its land, the birthplace of Islam. Saudi Arabia had approved the deployment to deter a possible expansion of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's military campaign against the kingdom. Bush visited American troops stationed in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran. He met with King Fahd for a second time in 1992 in the aftermath of the war and discussed the stability of the Gulf. Bill Clinton - 1994: King Fahd received President Clinton in the King Khalid Military City as the oil-rich region was still on alert for any new moves by Saddam, even after his forces were routed and forced to leave Kuwait. The two discussed Iraq, but Clinton's bid to boost the U.S. aircraft industry was at the top of the agenda. A year later, Saudi Arabia signed a $6 billion jet deal with Boeing and McDonnell. George W. Bush - 2008: During Bush's first visit to Riyadh, he signed an agreement with King Abdullah in connection with the kingdom's civilian nuclear energy program. The two agreed they would support efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, five years after the U.S. invaded Iraq under Bush. Iran's growing regional influence prompted a second visit the same year to rally Arab support to contain Tehran. Barack Obama - 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016: President Obama met twice with King Abdullah and twice with King Salman in a total of four visits to the kingdom during his two terms. Relations between his Democratic administration and the kingdom were cold under King Salman, with the Gulf country raising concerns that Washington's commitment to its security was diminishing. The kingdom's frustration peaked after Obama brokered a 2015 pact between its arch foe Iran and six global powers to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Gulf Arab states deemed Iran's nuclear programme a threat, while Tehran said it was only for peaceful purposes. Donald Trump - 2017: Unlike his predecessor, President Trump received a hero's welcome during his first-term visit to Riyadh. He danced with swords in traditional Saudi ceremonies and sealed a $110 billion arms deal. The image of him placing his hands on a glowing orb with King Salman to formally open a new centre to combat extremism went viral on the internet. Trump defended his administration's ties to Saudi Arabia a year later, despite the killing of U.S.-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in the kingdom's consulate in Turkey causing a global uproar. Joe Biden - 2022: President Biden was not received as warmly after his campaign pledge to make the kingdom "a pariah" and his promises to take a tougher stance on its human rights record, particularly regarding Khashoggi's killing. The tensions manifested in an awkward fist bump between Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MbS, during the visit instead of a formal handshake. That scene, including a wordless exchange, was a defining image of a sensitive trip that failed to yield much for the U.S. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
