Statement Welcoming King Fahd
of Saudi Arabia
(February 11, 1985)
The President. Ahlan wa Sahlan [Welcome]. It's a great
privilege to welcome a world statesman, a leader of Arab and Muslim
people, and a good friend of the United States, His Majesty King
Fahd bin `Abd al-`Aziz Al Sa`ud.
Although he is no stranger to our shores, it's been almost 8 years
since he has paid an official visit to the United States. And I'm honored
to welcome him back again today.
King Fahd's visit is in keeping with the warm, personal relations enjoyed
between the leaders of our two countries, a tradition which began 40
years ago this week when King Fahd's father and President Franklin Roosevelt
met to exchange views. The good will that emerged from that meeting
of two great men has enormously benefited both our peoples in the last
four decades.
The friendship and cooperation between our governments and people are
precious jewels whose value we should never underestimate. The positive
nature of our relations demonstrates that cultural differences, as distinct
as our own, need not separate or alienate peoples from one another.
As the guardians of Mecca and the protectors of your faith, you rightfully
exert a strong moral influence in the world of Islam, and the people
of the United States are proud of their leadership role among the democratic
nations.
King Fahd, I hope that we can work together to seek a new rapprochement
between the Islamic world and the Western democracies. Destiny has given
us different political and social systems, yet with respect and good
will, as our two countries have demonstrated, so much can be accomplished.
I firmly believe that in the years ahead, there should be and will
be a more powerful recognition of the common interests shared by these
two significant world forces. Already, the bonds of commerce are strong,
especially between our two countries. Petroleum from Saudi wells helps
drive the engines of progress in the United States, while at the same
moment, American technology and know-how help in the construction of
Saudi roads, hospitals, and communications systems.
Saudi Arabia has grown into one of America's largest trading partners.
The commercial and economic power that we exert in the world spurs enterprise
and bolsters stability.
I'd like to take this opportunity to express admiration for the responsible
manner in which Saudi Arabia has conducted its economic affairs. King
Fahd and other Saudi leaders, conscious of the global impact of their
financial and economic decisions, have earned our respect and gratitude.
Their many humanitarian contributions touch us deeply, as well. Saudi
aid to refugees uprooted from their homes in Afghanistan has not gone
unnoticed here, Your Majesty. The people of the United States share
with the people of Saudi Arabia a deep moral outrage over the continuing
aggression and butchery taking place in Afghanistan. The citizens of
the Western democracies and the Muslim world, by all that they believe
to be true and just, should stand together in opposition to those who
would impose dictatorship on all of mankind.
Marxist tyranny already has its grip on the religious freedom of the
world's fifth largest Muslim population. This same grip strangles the
prayers of Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. We all worship the same
God. Standing up to this onslaught, the people of Afghanistan, with
their blood, courage, and faith, are an inspiration to the cause of
freedom everywhere.
Afghanistan, of course, is not the only conflict in the region. We're
also concerned about the tragic war between two of Saudi Arabia's neighbors
-- Iran and Iraq -- a conflict that is raging only a few minutes by
air from Saudi territory. This bloodshed has dragged on far too long
and threatens peace throughout the region. The United States will do
what we can, diplomatically, to end the fighting. And we will cooperate
with Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of your borders.
Your Majesty, I look forward to our discussions about these and other
serious problems which continue to plague the Middle East. Together,
our considerable influence and our moral suasion can, at the very least,
decrease the threat of war.
If the Saudi and American Governments focus their energies, progress
can be made, especially in the lingering dispute between Israel and
her neighbors.
I continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement, based on
United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, is within reach. The
security of Israel and other nations of the region and the legitimate
rights of the Palestinian people can and should be addressed in direct
negotiations. It is time to put this tragedy to rest and turn the page
to a new and happier chapter.
Bringing about a better and more peaceful world will require courage,
integrity, and wisdom. King Fahd and others in his family before him
have been admired for just these traits.
I look forward to our discussions, King Fahd, and welcome to the United
States.
The King. [In English] President, Mrs. Reagan, the people -- thank
you very much, Mr. Reagan. I'm very sorry because my English is not
good. I try to speak English, but I can't speak English good. Now I
speak Arabic -- very sorry.
[In Arabic] Mr. President, I should like to express my happiness on
the occasion of my first meeting with you on the soil of the United
States and express my satisfaction with the steady growth of relations
between our two countries. I look forward to a fruitful exchange of
views for the benefit of our two countries and peoples in the interest
of peace in our region.
Mr. President, since the historic meeting between His Majesty the late
King `Abd al-`Aziz Al Sa`ud and the late President Franklin Roosevelt
40 years ago this month, the leaders of our two countries have continued
to meet from time to time to discuss ways of promoting friendship and
cooperation between our two countries and to consult and exchange views
on international matters of mutual interest. This visit to your friendly
country takes place in this same context.
Permit me, Mr. President, to turn back the pages of history to the
period following the First World War, to the time when the majority
of the Arab countries were suffering under the yoke of colonialism;
when your country affirmed the principles that advocated the right of
peoples to freedom, independence, and self-determination.
At that time, when the name of the United States stood for freedom,
justice, and independence, the aspirations of the Arab peoples were
directed toward your country as the defender of truth and justice. Now
we are in a new era in which the United States reaffirms those principles,
this time under your leadership, Mr. President.
Mr. President, the majority of the Arab countries gained their freedom
and independence, with the exception of one people -- the Palestinian
people, who committed no wrong that could justify what has befallen
them. The Palestinians, who were never aggressors or invaders, found
themselves, through no fault of their own, the victims of unjust aggression.
The Palestinian question is the single problem that is of paramount
concern to the whole Arab nation and affects the relations of its peoples
and countries with the outside world. It is the one problem that is
the root cause of instability and turmoil in the region. I hope, Mr.
President, that your administration will support the just cause of the
Palestinian people.
We only ask for a just position that conforms with the history and
ideals of your great country, a position that is consonant with its
role of leadership in the international community. Such a position will
earn the United States the respect and appreciation not only of the
Arab and Muslim worlds but also of freedom-loving peoples everywhere.
Similarly, the problem of Lebanon needs to be addressed in such a way
that would guarantee the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territory
and the achievement of Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity,
and full independence.
Mr. President, I share your view that Saudi Arabia, with its Islamic
beliefs and principles, and the United States, with its ideals and values,
can together find a common ground against aggression, injustice, and
oppression.
Mr. President, as far as the people of Afghanistan are concerned, this
people who want nothing but freedom against oppression, freedom from
killing women and children -- this people deserve our help.
Mr. President, I do not wish to be long, but I would like to say in
conclusion that it is, indeed, a pleasure to have this opportunity to
congratulate you on the full confidence that your people have placed
in you by supporting your Presidency for a second term. This clearly
demonstrates the extent of the confidence your people have in your wise
leadership and your farsightedness.
And, in conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to thank you very much
and to thank the American people and all the officials of the U.S. Government.
And I wish you progress and good health. And I would like to thank God
for giving us a beautiful sunny day today. [Laughter]
[In English] Thank you very much. I come again in the United States.
I see many people, my close friends. And next time, I come just like
anybody. Thank you very much. [Laughter]
Sources: Public Papers of the President |