Conference to Improve US - Saudi Relations
- Pipeline
- Saudi Arabia
Author: Aramco ExPats
Released 14 August 2006
In Dhahran, the International Public Relations Association, Gulf Chapter (IPRA-GC) hosted a presentation titled, “Adjusting the Picture: The Image of Saudi Arabia in the United States.”
Among the speakers were: Omar Bahlaiwa, secretary-general, Committee for International Trade, Council for Saudi Chambers, Riyadh, Nail Al-Jubeir, Director, Information and Congressional Affairs Office, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington D.C., Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO, Tariq Media & Publishing, and Dr. Thuraya Arrayed, Associate Member, Research and Advisory Group, Saudi Aramco Affairs, Saudi Aramco.
Mr. Nail A. Al-Jubeir speaking with Tony Germani at the 2006 Annuitants Reunion
Photograph Contributed by Aramco ExPats
The first speaker, Nail Al-Jubeir's speech centered on Saudi Arabia’s Public Relations campaign in the United States.
“There were 15 Saudis on those planes and that’s a fact we should never forget,” Al-Jubeir remarked. “Post-9/11, forces critical of Saudi Arabia formed into a perfect storm.”
According to Al-Jubeir, the main issues of importance in the current Saudi PR campaign in the US are:
• Cooperation in the war on terrorism;
• Stability of energy markets;
• Enhancing trade and investment opportunities; and
• Working for peace and stability in the region.
The following speaker, Al-Bazie, was in contrast more critical.
“Our problem is that most of our efforts are fragmented,” he advised. Al-Bazie stated there must be better coordination between the different government ministries and organizations when bringing journalists and decision-makers from abroad.
“Journalists want information, not hospitality,” Al-Bazie stated.
Arrayed strayed from both speakers, and spoke of the need for a more grassroots effort.
“I am a member of many outreach efforts by choice because I am a citizen who loves her country,” she said. “I have brought up my four children to be good representatives of their country. Generally I speak to people who know nothing about Saudi Arabia. I tell them that we are simple people, who only want peace in the world. We want to live and travel without hassles and have a good future for our children.”
An audience member questioned Thuraya Arrayed on what the average Saudi could do to improve the image of the Kingdom abroad. Arrayed’s advice was simple: “Just be good.”