EP GOVERNOR OFFERS HIS SUPPORT TO THE CONSULATE

S E C R E T RIYADH 001617 SIPDIS DHAHRAN SENDS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2018 TAGS: KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL SA SUBJECT: EP GOVERNOR OFFERS HIS SUPPORT TO THE CONSULATE Classified By: Consul General Joseph Kenny for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: On October 19, Consul General Kenny made a familiarization call on the Governor of the Eastern Province, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Prince Mohammed stressed the Saudi Arabian Government,s (SAG) commitment to combating terrorism and providing the appropriate levels of security protection to the U.S. Consulate General. The Governor commented that the current global financial turmoil will not have a significant impact on Saudi Arabia because of the SAG,s ability to guarantee all bank deposits and the availability of credit lines, thereby underscoring confidence in the markets. He was adamant that Consulate Dhahran,s relationship with the Governor,s office was strong and would only improve in the future. End Summary. ¶2. (C) The Dhahran Consul General held an introductory meeting with the top SAG official in the Eastern Province (EP),HRH Prince Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Emirate in Dammam. The CG was accompanied by PolOff, the Commercial Attach and the Political Specialist LES. The Governor stated the SAG,s dedication to combating terrorism in the KSA, highlighting the SAG,s success in rehabilitating radicalized extremists. He also stressed the importance of harsh punishment as a deterrent to terrorists and criminals. The CG acknowledged SAG,s quick and effective efforts at routing out extremists and preventing terrorist acts in the KSA. ¶3. (S) Prince Mohammed boasted of the professionalism and preparedness of the security forces in the EP. He stated that the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) and MOI security forces conduct frequent and comprehensive training and drills. The Governor mentioned that the drills helped to identify gaps and weaknesses in security, which he said have been addressed. He did not elaborate on these gaps or weaknesses. ¶4. (C) The Governor remains bullish on the economic forecast for KSA, in particular the EP. He cited the numerous large-scale industrial projects (oil-related, petrochemicals, mining and manufacturing) underway in the EP as well as the perceived strength and liquidity of the Saudi banking sector guaranteed by the SAG. He believes that the KSA is largely insulated from the global financial crisis given their conservative investment posture and their large financial reserves. He is not as positive about the short-term outlook for the U.S. and European economies. ¶5. (C) The Prince is optimistic about the continuing strong relationship between the Consulate and the Emirate of the EP. He is particularly happy about the re-introduction of full non-immigrant visa (NIV) services in the region and the positive impact that will have on official, academic and business relationships between the U.S. and the EP. (Comment: Prince Mohammed, family and a large contingent of his staff will travel to the U.S. in January and will be applying for visa(s) in the near future. End Comment) He repeatedly and adamantly offered his office,s support to address any future problems or needs of the Consulate. The CG offered the Consulate,s good offices in kind. ¶6. (S) Comment: The relationship between the Consulate and the Governor,s office had deteriorated somewhat in recent years, primarily due to the lack of NIV services in the EP despite the region,s ballooning visa demand sparked by the boom in the hydrocarbon industry. With the reestablishment of full NIV services in the EP it appears that the Governor is ready to move on to other bilateral issues affecting the relationship. The Governor may prove to be an important ally in the Consulate General,s efforts to sign a purchase agreement for its historic compound in Dhahran. End Comment. (APPROVED: JKENNY). RUNDELL