Former Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.) from New York, who served for 30 years in the U.S. House, has penned an op-ed in The Hill outlining the importance of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
“Sometimes, it’s a good idea to reach out to your enemies. But don’t ever take old friends for granted,”Ackerman writes. “As Saudi Arabia adapts to a changing world, the U.S. should renew its relationship with a changing Saudi Arabia.”
Former U.S. Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.).
“This isn’t only about soothing the Saudis; it’s about advancing American interests. Saudi Arabia has long been a leading strategic partner in the Middle East, and its interests still align with the U.S. and our friends in the area, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the UAE. Now that Saudi Arabia is undergoing far-reaching changes, the U.S. must not be a bystander, and Congress can play a crucial role.”
The post, which can be viewed in full here, is a compelling broad view of the strategic alignment of interests between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in both regional affairs and on the benefits of greater economic cooperation. With new leadership in Riyadh, the time is right for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to be actively engaged in furthering the bi-lateral relationship.
While in Washington, D.C. last month, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a new 21st Century Partnership for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia – a vision that could enhance trade and business opportunities between the two countries. The proposal includes unprecedented steps toward opening up the lucrative Saudi market to U.S. investors and companies.
“[N]ew leaders reaching out to the U.S. – and we should reach back,” Ackerman writes.
