Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RIYADH583
2008-04-07 12:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER ON VISA VALIDITY ISSUE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHRH #0583 0981259 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 071259Z APR 08 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8153 INFO RHEFAAA/DIA DHS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 9474
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000583
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR CA AND NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2013
TAGS: CVIS PGOV PTER PREL SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER ON VISA VALIDITY ISSUE
REF: RIYADH 561
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000583
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR CA AND NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2013
TAGS: CVIS PGOV PTER PREL SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER ON VISA VALIDITY ISSUE
REF: RIYADH 561
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (C) In a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud
al-Faisal on April 6, the Ambassador raised the issue of
increasing non-immigrant visa validity on a reciprocal basis.
Noting that the recent visit to the Kingdom by Homeland
Security Secretary Chertoff had been a great success
(reftel),the Ambassador observed that Secretary Chertoff and
King Abdullah had had a very good exchange on visa policy and
consular security. He added that they had agreed in
particular to enhance visa security cooperation in
conjunction with reform of the visa reciprocity schedule.
2. (C) The Foreign Minister concurred, observing that the
Kingdom and the US seem to be in agreement on the essentials:
granting, on a reciprocal basis, multiple-entry visas to
tourists and businessmen valid for five years instead of two.
For students, visa validity would be for the duration of
study, with a maximum of five years. He acknowledged as well
the absolute need to cooperate to detect and prevent the
radicalization of Saudi students in the US. The Prince
enthusiastically commented that these steps would build
better relations between the two countries, adding that now
is the time to act. He noted that the President's upcoming
visit to Saudi Arabia would be an ideal occasion to announce
agreement on these matters.
3. (C) COMMENT. The Foreign Minister's remarks tracked
closely with the King's statements to Secretary Chertoff and
the Ambassador on visa issues. It seems that the most senior
level of the Saudi government is ready to agree to an amended
visa reciprocity schedule and engage in heightened
cooperation on visa security, specifically on radicalization.
The Saudis clearly would like to announce agreement on these
issues during the President's visit. END COMMENT.
FRAKER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR CA AND NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2013
TAGS: CVIS PGOV PTER PREL SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER ON VISA VALIDITY ISSUE
REF: RIYADH 561
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (C) In a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud
al-Faisal on April 6, the Ambassador raised the issue of
increasing non-immigrant visa validity on a reciprocal basis.
Noting that the recent visit to the Kingdom by Homeland
Security Secretary Chertoff had been a great success
(reftel),the Ambassador observed that Secretary Chertoff and
King Abdullah had had a very good exchange on visa policy and
consular security. He added that they had agreed in
particular to enhance visa security cooperation in
conjunction with reform of the visa reciprocity schedule.
2. (C) The Foreign Minister concurred, observing that the
Kingdom and the US seem to be in agreement on the essentials:
granting, on a reciprocal basis, multiple-entry visas to
tourists and businessmen valid for five years instead of two.
For students, visa validity would be for the duration of
study, with a maximum of five years. He acknowledged as well
the absolute need to cooperate to detect and prevent the
radicalization of Saudi students in the US. The Prince
enthusiastically commented that these steps would build
better relations between the two countries, adding that now
is the time to act. He noted that the President's upcoming
visit to Saudi Arabia would be an ideal occasion to announce
agreement on these matters.
3. (C) COMMENT. The Foreign Minister's remarks tracked
closely with the King's statements to Secretary Chertoff and
the Ambassador on visa issues. It seems that the most senior
level of the Saudi government is ready to agree to an amended
visa reciprocity schedule and engage in heightened
cooperation on visa security, specifically on radicalization.
The Saudis clearly would like to announce agreement on these
issues during the President's visit. END COMMENT.
FRAKER