Leo Daly:
Leo Daly, a two-generation family of designers and architects, has been involved in major infrastructure projects in the Eastern Arab world, modernizing and transforming economies.

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations:
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is a nonprofit organization that works to build understanding between the United States and the Arab world. The Council’s work is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council is grateful for the support of its members and donors.

Prince Turki al-Faisal:
Prince Turki al-Faisal is a Saudi Arabian prince and diplomat who has served in various positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has worked tirelessly to advance Saudi Arabia’s interests and promote positive change in the country. Prince Turki has a long history of working with the United States and is well-respected in both countries.

Introduction:
The conference marks the 29th annual gathering of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, convening specialists to discuss various topics. The conference is fortunate to have numerous experts in attendance and looks forward to the next annual gathering, marking its 30th year.

Leo A. Daly’s Involvement in the Middle East:
Leo A. Daly, an architectural engineering firm, was awarded a $200 million military complex project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The firm’s success led to a 50-year presence in the Middle East and hundreds of completed projects. Leo A. Daly collaborated with Razi Al-Ghosebi, the Minister of Industry and Electricity, to establish a graduate intern program for young Saudi architects and engineers. Over 100 young professionals were trained in Omaha and Riyadh, many of whom went on to hold key positions in the Saudi government.

Princess Rima and Prince Turki’s Family:
Princess Rima, the first woman ambassador appointed by Saudi Arabia, is the daughter of Prince Turki’s sister, Princess Haifa. Leo A. Daly met Princess Rima as a child during a visit to Prince Bandar’s army base near Riyadh.

Prince Turki al-Faisal’s Introduction:
Prince Turki is the chairman of the King Faisal Foundation and Center for Islamic Studies and Research. The foundation is known for its annual awards, similar to the Nobel Prize, recognizing outstanding scientists, technicians, and cultural figures. Prince Turki has served as the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Intelligence Directorate for over 25 years, equivalent to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He is known for his honesty, dignity, trust, respect, and erudition, qualities instilled by his parents. Prince Turki’s mother, Queen Ifat, is the namesake of Queen Ifat University. He has held diplomatic assignments in the United Kingdom and the United States, fostering strong relationships between Saudi Arabia and these countries. Prince Turki is also involved with the Arab Thought Foundation and the Beirut Institute Summits, promoting intellectual discourse and cooperation in the Arab world.

Prince Turki’s Gratitude:
Prince Turki expresses his gratitude to the organizers of the conference, particularly John Pratt and Leo Daly, as well as the staff of the council for their efforts.

Global Pandemic and the Importance of Multilateralism:
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of multilateralism and cooperation among nations in tackling global challenges.

Saudi Arabia’s G20 Leadership and the Fight Against COVID-19:
King Salman chaired the G20 Summit, addressing the pandemic’s impact and promoting international collaboration. Saudi Arabia implemented effective measures to combat the disease, reducing daily cases and maintaining a low death rate.

G20 Initiatives and Economic Relief:
G20 members agreed to provide financial assistance and debt relief to poorer countries affected by the pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s Contributions to Sustainable Energy:
The Kingdom proposed a carbon circular economy to reduce emissions and utilize carbon constructively. Saudi Arabia announced the development of hydrogen as an alternative energy source, collaborating with an American company.

Oil Price Stabilization and US Cooperation:
Saudi Arabia led efforts to stabilize oil prices amidst the pandemic, coordinating with OPEC members and other producers. President Trump’s engagement with President Putin and King Salman facilitated a deal to cut production and stabilize prices.

Hopes for a New American Administration:
The world anticipates the next American administration’s emphasis on multilateralism and institutional reforms to tackle global challenges.

Regional Issues and Disappointment with Previous US Administrations:
People in the Middle East closely followed the US elections, hoping for a change in policies concerning regional concerns, especially the Palestinian issue. Past US administrations have often disappointed expectations, leading to a sense of strategic confusion and uncertainty in the region.

The Complexity of the Middle East and the New Presidency:
The Middle East faces a complex array of interconnected conflicts and issues, making it difficult to predict the implications of the new presidency. President-elect Joseph Biden’s experience and familiarity with global and regional issues provide some hope for addressing these challenges.

US-Saudi Alliance:
Saudi Arabia and the US have maintained a strategic alliance with a common goal of a peaceful and prosperous Middle East, world peace, and human betterment. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has worked with all American administrations, both Democrats and Republicans. The US leadership and commitments are crucial for global stability and peace.

US Strategic Outlook and Middle East Geopolitics:
The world is experiencing a significant structural transformation in world and regional power configurations. Uncertainty about the US strategic outlook towards the Middle East causes suspicion and discord in the region. The perception of the US abandoning the region and its commitments leads to strategic confusion and a widening strategic vacuum. This fuels the appetite of radical states and forces, harming American national interests and its allies.

Middle East Strategic Confusion:
Strategic confusion in the Middle East results in mistrust, polarization, multiple conflicts, and competing actors. This situation unleashes political, social, religious, sectarian, and non-state actors, terrorist groupings, and regional and international interferences. States in the region share responsibility for the current state of affairs.

President-elect Joe Biden’s Stance on Iran:
President-elect Biden has expressed his intention to rejoin the 2015 JCPOA with Iran if Tehran returns to strict compliance. The speaker emphasizes the need for a comprehensive agreement that addresses all issues of concern with Iran, including its regional behavior. Simply rejoining the JCPOA as it is would not promote stability in the region. The speaker urges Biden not to ignore the concerns of US friends and allies in the region and to involve them in negotiations.

Palestinian Issue:
With every new US president, there is hope for a just solution to the Palestinian issue. The speaker reiterates Saudi Arabia’s support for a sovereign Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative. A comprehensive solution is needed rather than a temporary fix.

U.S. Policy and Strategy in Iraq and Syria:
Iraqis long to reclaim their national state and institutions and deserve assistance. Stability in Iraq is crucial for regional and global security. The Iraqi national state is essential to restoring regional power balance and curbing Iran’s influence. Syria’s ongoing catastrophe requires a U.S. role in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

Importance of U.S.-GCC Relations:
The U.S.-GCC relationship is vital for regional peace and stability. Bilateral and multilateral relations are consistently maintained despite occasional challenges. Strategic partnerships between these countries and the U.S. are fundamental.

Common Interests Driving the U.S.-GCC Relationship:
Preserving regional stability, energy markets, and opposition to Iran’s regional behavior. Promoting peace in the Middle East, combating terrorism, and fostering investment and trade.

Key Commitments from the Obama-Salman Meeting in 2015:
Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through the JCPOA. Continuing efforts to maintain regional security, prosperity, and stability. Countering Iran’s destabilizing activities. Implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions to facilitate a political solution in Yemen. Emphasizing the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative in resolving the Palestinian conflict.

Saudi-U.S. Relationship:
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasizes the importance of the 75-year-old strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The Crown Prince highlights the readiness to continue this partnership despite differences in viewpoints.

Iran’s Destabilizing Activities:
The Crown Prince criticizes Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region. He mentions the Houthis in Yemen, supported by Iran, as a murderous cult that launches attacks against Saudi and Yemeni civilians.

Congratulatory Message to President-Elect Biden:
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulate President-elect Biden on his election. They express their commitment to maintaining the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Importance of Dialogue and Mutual Understanding:
The Crown Prince encourages members of the U.S. legislative chambers to visit Saudi Arabia and see the progress made on various issues, including human rights. He acknowledges that both countries have areas to improve in terms of human rights and suggests learning from each other’s experiences.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Improvement:
The Crown Prince admits that Saudi Arabia has issues related to human rights and emphasizes ongoing efforts to address them. He highlights the turmoil during U.S. elections and police shootings as examples of human rights issues that need attention.

Appreciation for Saudi Prince’s Address:
The moderator expresses gratitude to the Crown Prince for his comprehensive address, covering a wide range of topics. He notes the importance of addressing extremism and promoting understanding between Saudi Arabia and the United States.