After nine years of an unforgettable stay in Saudi Arabia, my wife and I are leaving definitely your country on the 8th of October.
It is with choking emotion that we leave the kingdom, which we consider our home and which our children, now adults, have been enjoying visiting frequently. How can one not admire the beauty of the desert, the mountains and the sea of this magnificent country? We have visited the many Kingdom provinces and were astounded by its breathtaking landscapes and by the legendary hospitality of its inhabitants. Above all are of course the true friends that we are leaving here and who undoubtedly will remain as such. Loyalty is indeed a Saudi trait.
To all our friends –officials and private individuals– we thank you, from the bottom of our heart for all these years that we spent together and which will remain a treasure for us.
I would like to seize the opportunity to tell our friends that, professionally, I was lucky to live an exceptional experience. Despite a very challenging regional environment, Saudi Arabia remains a pole of stability and development, as well as an international actor whose role is increasingly important day after day. Riyadh has become, in a way, the new capital of the Arab world; and its points of views have to be taken into consideration by the great powers. The fast economic development in the Kingdom during the recent years has deeply changed the life of its inhabitants. Thanks to King Abdullah’s determination, Saudi women play an increasing role in the society. The young people outspokenly express on the social networks their aspirations for more jobs and increased entertainment.
The Kingdom is thus a stable but forward moving country. The global changes– emergence of a multipolar world, energy and environmental policies’ evolution – should be everyone’s concern and the Kingdom is adapting to that. In King Salman’2030 vision this bold analysis of the situation provides the Saudi citizens with new perspectives.
It is indeed difficult to change one’s habits and some really fear the impact of the reforms. However, the general orientations are the good ones and the Kingdom can rely on valuable assets that it can use. Proper consultations between the main economic players, will enable the Kingdom to recover growth and gain confidence in its future. Moreover, the Kingdom assumes its responsibilities with increasing strength in the international relations. It is in difficult moments that we need our friends. As you know, France has been a friend of the Arabs and a reliable partner of the Kingdom since the visit paid by King Faysal to General De Gaulle in 1967. During the recent years, we have significantly strengthened our cooperation in all fields and I am proud to have contributed to it.
In the new international context, Saudi Arabia can rely on France. We share the same views about the regional situation. We have an exemplary cooperation in the security and military fields. Our economic and cultural exchanges have grown tremendously. I am convinced that French technology, in many of its leading aspects of interest to Saudi Arabia as well as our expertise in public and private partnerships and in training – both technical and professional – will facilitate the increase of joint ventures between French and Saudi companies, large, medium and small. I feel confident in the continuing reinforcement of our strategic partnership.
Allow me to conclude this message by conveying again our sincere thanks with our warm and friendly wishes for the future and our hopes to see you often.
Long live to the friendship between France and Saudi Arabia!
Bertrand BESANCENOT
French ambassador to the Kingdom