Prince Turki al-Faisal’s Introduction:
Prince Turki al-Faisal, former head of Saudi Arabia’s General Intelligence Directorate, ambassador, and co-founder of the King Faisal Foundation, joins the show. He reflects on his first meeting with the interviewer in the 1990s while traveling with George Nafee, a passionate advocate for American-Arab relations.

King Faisal’s Early Life and Achievements:
Prince Turki briefly introduces King Faisal, his father, born in 1906, four years after his father reconquered Riyadh and began creating a modern Saudi state. Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the third oldest son of King Abdulaziz, accompanied his father in consolidating key regions of the Arabian Peninsula. At age 14, he traveled as King Abdulaziz’s envoy to Britain and France, a journey depicted in the feature film “Born a King.” By age 20, Faisal became viceroy of the newly conquered Hejaz region, later serving various ministerial roles and as crown prince and prime minister. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for 30 years before becoming King of Saudi Arabia in 1964.

King Faisal’s Reign and Reforms:
During his reign from 1964 to 1975, King Faisal implemented modernization and reform policies. He abolished slavery, introduced female education, established a welfare system, and modernized the Ministry of Justice, among other initiatives. Prince Turki emphasizes King Faisal’s integrity, character, and popularity among Saudis.

Prince Turki’s Service to King Faisal:
Prince Turki served as an advisor to King Faisal’s royal court beginning in 1973. He reflects on King Faisal’s numerous decisions and moments of significance during his 50-year career.

Anecdotes from King Faisal’s Life:
Prince Turki shares anecdotes from King Faisal’s life, including: Leading an army in the 1934 border conflict with Yemen, resulting in a standoff with Italian forces in Hodeidah. Receiving reassurances from British and French captains about their citizens’ safety in Hodeidah. Interacting with President Truman after President Roosevelt’s death, facilitating the transfer of lend-lease equipment to Saudi Arabia.

The Broken Promise:
President Roosevelt promised King Abdulaziz to consult with Arab leaders before making decisions on Palestine. President Truman reversed this decision and recognized the state of Israel without consulting the Arabs. King Abdulaziz refused to visit the United States while Truman was president.

French Interests in Hodeidah:
France had African and North African subjects working in Hodeidah. The Red Sea was a contested area among colonial powers in the 1930s. Italy, Britain, France, and others had colonies in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Early History:
Saudi Arabia was a young and poor country when it was recognized in 1932. King Abdulaziz invited the British to explore for oil but they found none. An American geologist later found evidence of oil in Saudi Arabia, which led to the discovery of oil in 1937 or 1938. The kingdom relied on the goodwill and friendship of the United States due to its oil interests.

John Philby’s Influence:
John Philby, King Abdulaziz’s British advisor, played a role in bringing American oil companies to Saudi Arabia. Philby was imprisoned by the British during World War II for opposing the war.

Established in 1976, the King Faisal Foundation was conceived by the heirs of King Faisal to honor his legacy and promote philanthropy. Inspired by the King’s final interview, where he envisioned Saudi Arabia as a “wellspring of radiance for humanity,” the foundation aimed to showcase Saudi Arabia to the world and engage in global academic and charitable initiatives. Funded entirely by King Faisal’s inheritance, the foundation focused on exposing Saudi Arabia, supporting educational institutions, and promoting research and dialogue.

The King Faisal International Prize:
Established as part of the foundation’s mission, the King Faisal International Prize recognizes outstanding achievements in five disciplines: Service to Islam, Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, Science, and Medicine. With over 44 years of contributions, 282 laureates from 44 nationalities, the prize has gained international prestige and is unique in the Arab and Muslim world for its scope and inclusivity.

King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies:
Founded in 1983, the King Faisal Center is a prominent research institution dedicated to promoting understanding of Islamic culture and civilization. The center houses a working library, a manuscript library with ancient Arab manuscripts, and a publishing house that produces books based on these manuscripts, shedding light on the interests of ancient Arabs and Muslims. The center also hosts research fellows from around the world, organizes conferences, and collaborates with international research institutions and universities.

Educational Institutions Established by the Foundation:
The foundation established three academic institutions in Saudi Arabia: King Faisal School (1991), Effat University (2000), and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (2003). These institutions are recognized for their exceptional quality of education and serve as benchmarks in Saudi Arabia’s educational landscape. King Faisal School, the first of these institutions, was founded in 1991 to provide high-quality education and prepare students for leadership roles in various fields.

Early Education in Saudi Arabia:
Before the birth of the speaker, King Abdul Aziz and his mother established the Model School in Taif, which housed students from the Hejaz region. The school included members of the royal family and sons and daughters of the late king. The female side of the school did not take off due to resistance from the community to sending girls to study.

The Model School:
The speaker and his brothers attended the Model School as young boys. The school served as the first institution of its kind in Saudi Arabia. After the speaker and his brothers left for studies in America, the school continued to operate and moved from Taif to Jeddah.

Effat University’s Connection to the Model School:
When considering future projects, the Effat University foundation board decided to reconnect with the idea of the Model School in Taif. They established a boys’ school and later a girls’ school following the same model.

Queen Alfred University:
The speaker’s mother had the idea of establishing a university for women when there were no private institutions offering higher education for women. Queen Alfred University was established and became the first private institution licensed to offer education for women in Saudi Arabia.

A Wellspring of Radiance for Humanity:
King Faisal envisioned Saudi Arabia as a “wellspring of radiance for humanity,” emphasizing service to humanity beyond national borders. The King Faisal Foundation has established various independent entities, including universities, that contribute to this vision.

Growth of Al-Faisal University:
The establishment of Al-Faisal University in Jeddah, followed by its expansion to Riyadh, has provided co-educational higher education opportunities and contributed to the development of Saudi society. Al-Faisal University consistently ranks highly in global academic rankings, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international education.

Women’s Education and Progress:
The first university established by the King Faisal Foundation was a women’s college, demonstrating a commitment to female education. This institution has recently become co-educational, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s educational landscape.

Continuing the Legacy:
The Board of Trustees of the King Faisal Foundation remains committed to expanding its contributions and continuing the late King Faisal’s vision. The Foundation seeks to address global challenges and serve humanity, aiming to make a lasting impact beyond Saudi Arabia.

Prince Saud’s International Perspective:
Prince Saud, a former foreign affairs minister, emphasized the importance of global engagement and understanding different perspectives. His weekly completion of the New York Times crossword puzzle exemplifies his commitment to staying informed about international affairs.

The Faisal Boys’ Journey to the United States:
The Faisal brothers, including Prince Turki, were sent to the United States for their education due to concerns about communist influences in Lebanon. The choice of the United States as their destination fostered strong ties between Saudi Arabia and America.

Educational Experiences in America:
Prince Turki spent a year at the Han School in Princeton to learn English and adapt to school life. He then attended the Lawrenceville School, another prep school near Princeton, before moving on to Georgetown University.

Regular Visiting Professor at Georgetown:
Prince Turki regularly visits Georgetown as a guest lecturer, sharing his insights on Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and global affairs.

King Faisal Prize and His Vision for the Future:
The King Faisal Prize was inspired by King Faisal’s vision of Saudi Arabia as a source of radiance for humanity. His vision is becoming a reality through the kingdom’s development and the implementation of Vision 2030, which emphasizes engagement with humanity.

Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Under Vision 2030:
Prince Turki believes Saudi Arabia is better positioned than ever to fulfill its role as a beacon of radiance for humanity. The success of the Saudi soccer team and the enthusiasm for Vision 2030 reflect the positive impact of these initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Resilience:
Despite the global economic downturn caused by the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has experienced strong economic growth. The country has the highest GDP growth rate among G20 nations, projected to reach 10% in 2022.

Effective Pandemic Management:
Saudi Arabia successfully faced the challenges of the pandemic, implementing effective measures to mitigate its impact. The country’s ability to not only endure but also emerge stronger from the crisis is attributed to various factors.

Vision 2030 Implementation:
The implementation of Vision 2030, a comprehensive economic and social reform plan, contributed to Saudi Arabia’s resilience. The plan’s focus on diversification, investment, and innovation played a crucial role in navigating the pandemic’s challenges.

Following Scientific Guidance:
Saudi Arabia’s adherence to scientific evidence and expert advice was instrumental in its effective pandemic management. The country’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making contributed to its success in addressing the crisis.

Global Recognition:
Saudi Arabia’s successful pandemic response has gained international recognition. Other countries are looking to Saudi Arabia as an example of effective crisis management and resilience.

Background of U.S.-Saudi Relationship:
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have maintained a relationship for over 80 years. The relationship initially focused on political and government-to-government ties. Over time, a strong people-to-people connection developed. Many Americans lived in Saudi Arabia, and many Saudis studied and lived in the U.S.

Strong Linkages between the Countries:
More than 80,000 Americans reside in Saudi Arabia. Around 60,000 Saudis, along with their families, live in the U.S. Over half a million Saudis have participated in educational programs in the U.S. These linkages create a solid foundation for the relationship.

Political Ups and Downs:
The U.S.-Saudi relationship has experienced political challenges, such as disagreements over the Palestine issue and oil production decisions. Despite these disagreements, the strong people-to-people ties have helped maintain the relationship.

Recent Developments:
OPEC Plus decisions led to tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. However, oil prices have remained stable, and the Democratic Party performed well in the U.S. midterm elections, easing tensions. American officials have reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship.

Common Interests:
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia share common interests in fighting terrorism, addressing Iran’s regional influence, and promoting economic cooperation. Both countries recognize the need to work together to achieve these goals.

Need for Engagement and Cooperation:
The U.S. cannot afford to leave the Middle East due to its various interests in the region. Iran’s extraterritorial ambitions and Russia’s involvement in the region necessitate cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Positive Developments:
The “firestorm” following the OPEC Plus meeting led to discussions about updating the U.S.-Saudi relationship. There has been a call to recognize Saudi Arabia’s changes and understand its priorities. Princess Rima’s statement about the review of the relationship being beneficial for both countries indicates Saudi Arabia’s willingness to engage in a forward-looking manner.

Conclusion:
The U.S.-Saudi relationship has a solid foundation built on people-to-people ties and shared interests. Despite political challenges, both countries recognize the need for engagement and cooperation to address common concerns and achieve mutual benefits.