HomeCountries & Areas…Saudi Arabia hide Saudi Arabia Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 3: Reconsider Travel Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Saudi Arabia U.S.-Saudi Arabia Relations U.S. Support to Saudi Arabia Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Saudi Arabia Relations Following recognition in 1931, the United States and Saudi Arabia established full diplomatic relations, with exchange of credentials and appointment of the first U.S. ambassador (initially resident in Cairo) , in 1940. Saudi Arabia’s unique role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, its holding of the world’s second largest reserves of oil, and its strategic location all play a role Following recognition in 1931, the United States and Saudi Arabia established full diplomatic relations, with exchange of credentials and appointment of the first U.S. ambassador (initially resident in Cairo) , in 1940. Saudi Arabia’s unique role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, its holding of the world’s second largest reserves of oil, and its strategic location all play a role in the long-standing bilateral relationship between the Kingdom and the United States. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a common interest in preserving the stability, security, and prosperity of the Gulf region and consult closely on a wide range of regional and global issues. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in working toward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and is a strong partner in security and counterterrorism efforts and in military, diplomatic, and financial cooperation. Its forces work closely with U.S. military and law enforcement bodies to safeguard both countries’ national security interests. The United States and Saudi Arabia also enjoy robust cultural and educational ties with tens of thousands of Saudi students studying in U.S. colleges and universities and scores of educational and cultural exchange visitors each year. The United States also provides promising youth and emerging Saudi leaders the opportunity to experience the United States and its institutions through the International Visitor Leadership Program and various other exchange programs. Collapse U.S.-Saudi Arabia Relations Read more about U.S.-Saudi Arabia Relations U.S. Support to Saudi Arabia The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding security relationship. Saudi Arabia is the United States’ largest foreign military sales (FMS) customer, with more than $100 billion in active FMS cases. Additional support promotes closer cultural, educational, and institutional ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The U.S.-Saudi partnership is rooted in more than seven decades of close friendship and The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding security relationship. Saudi Arabia is the United States’ largest foreign military sales (FMS) customer, with more than $100 billion in active FMS cases. Additional support promotes closer cultural, educational, and institutional ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The U.S.-Saudi partnership is rooted in more than seven decades of close friendship and cooperation, enriched by the exchange opportunities that are key to the promotion of mutual understanding and the long-term development of ties. Collapse U.S. Support to Saudi Arabia Read more about U.S. Support to Saudi Arabia Bilateral Economic Relations The United States and Saudi Arabia enjoy a strong economic relationship. The United States is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is one of the United States’ largest trading partners in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is the third leading source of imported oil for the United States, providing about half a million barrels per day of The United States and Saudi Arabia enjoy a strong economic relationship. The United States is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is one of the United States’ largest trading partners in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is the third leading source of imported oil for the United States, providing about half a million barrels per day of oil to the U.S. market. The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a Trade Investment Framework Agreement. Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 program in April 2016, laying out plans to diversify the economy, including through increased trade and investment with the United States and other countries. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights April 15, 2024 Department Press Briefing – April 15, 2024 April 14, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud April 3, 2024 Digital Press Briefing with Timothy Lenderking, Special Envoy for Yemen April 1, 2024 U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to Saudi Arabia and Oman March 21, 2024 Special Online Briefing with Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Saudi Arabia
