Arab-US Policymakers Conference (AUSPC) 2006
Washington, DC -- October 30-31, 2006

Day One - Taking Stock of the Saudi Arabian-US Relationship: Examining the Implications for Interests and Policies

Session #5 - What Went Wrong, What Went Right, and the Way Forward -- Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned

Moderator: The Hon. Walter L. Cutler, twice former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, having represented President Ronald Reagan, 1984-86 and 1987-1988; Ambassador to Tunisia and Zaire and Ambassador-Designate to Khomeini’s Iran before diplomatic relations were severed; President Emeritus, Meridian International, Washington, D.C.; former Senior Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations.  

Panelists: 

• “Economic and Related Reforms in the Kingdom’s Strategic Development Plans” – H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Qunaibet, Vice Chairman, Economic and Energy Affairs Committee, Majlis ash-Shura [National Consultative Council], Riyadh. 

• “Perspectives of a Former Ambassador and United States Senator: Saudi Arabia-U.S. Relations, Reforms, Elections, and the Challenges Ahead.” -- The Hon. Wyche Fowler, Chairman of the Board, Middle East Institute; former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, having represented President Bill Clinton, 1996-2000, and former Deputy Minority Leader, United States Senate and Congressman, 1977-1993.  

• “Enhancing the Mutuality of Benefit: The Bilateral Commercial Dimension” -- H.E. Usamah Al-Kurdi, Member, Majlis Ash-Shura [National Consultative Council], Riyadh; immediate past Secretary General, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry 1997-2001; former Vice President, Saudi Consulting House, a fore-runner of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). 

• Panel Questions and Answers