ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has named an American-educated public
relations specialist as its new ambassador to the United States.
Adel Jubair, the former foreign policy adviser to King Abdullah, has
been named the kingdom's ambassador to the United States. Officials said
Abdullah appointed Jubair upon the recommendation of Foreign Minister Prince
Saud Al Faisal.
"Adel Ibn Ahmed Al Jubair is appointed our ambassador in the United
States with the rank of a minister at the Foreign Ministry," the royal
decree said.
Jubair replaces Prince Turki Al Faisal, who in December 2006 resigned as
Saudi ambassador to Washington after a tenure of 15 months, Middle East Newsline reported. Turki's
resignation sparked reports of a dispute within the Saudi royal family over
relations with the United States.
Unlike Turki, Jubair is not a member of the inner circle of the Saudi
royal family. At a news conference on Tuesday, Prince Saud said family
connections were not a factor in appointing Saudi envoys.
"Royal or non-royal, all ambassadors represent King Abdullah in the
country to which they are accredited," the Saudi foreign minister said. "All
have the same duties and the same tasks."
Jubair, 44, has long worked in the United States. He graduated from North
Texas University and Georgetown University and has been a familiar sight in
the Washington political and media scene.
Over the last year, the United States has strengthened strategic
relations with Riyad. The Saudi military has ordered more than $10 billion
worth of U.S. weapons and the two countries have coordinated on Iraq and the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
