LONDON — A top Saudi prince has advised the United States against seeking energy independence.   

On Sept. 4, Saudi National Security Adviser Prince Turki Al Faisal said any U.S. campaign to become independent of Saudi Arabia and other suppliers would be harmful. The leading member of the Saudi royal family said Washington could not break free of its dependence on Middle East crude oil.

"There is no technology on the horizon which can replace oil to satisfy colossal needs of U.S. industry, transport and armed forces," Turki wrote in an analysis that was published by Italy's Il Sole 24 Ore.

"Any future scenario will be characterized by mix of renewable and non-renewable energies whether you like it or not."

Saudi Arabia has been the leading crude oil supplier of the United States, which is also Riyad's largest trading partner. Relations between the two countries were said to have cooled in 2009 amid the U.S. decision by President Barack Obama to launch a reconciliation dialogue with Iran, regarded as the biggest threat to Saudi Arabia.

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