Saudi Arabia Stands With NYC, Brings "A Day in Riyadh" to the United Nations

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "As the mayor of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I have a very simple message to the great people of New York during these times: we stand together.  For over 80 years, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been allies. It has been an alliance forged not only based on economic and strategic joint interests, but a deep social and civic connection. The exchange of knowledge between our two countries, and the years of joint collaboration in a variety of development sectors has played an important role in enabling Riyadh to become the global metropolis of over 6.5 million inhabitants that it is today in a very short period of time. 

Like most foreigners, I am awestruck by New York City every time I visit. But this time, I am also humbled by just how much my own home-city shares in common, and hopeful that our cities will continue to stand together.

As I prepare for a visit to the United Nations next week, I am joined by a delegation of Saudi men and women who represent a broad array of our society for a series of events we call "A Day in Riyadh." They come not as politicians or diplomats, but as accomplished private citizens seeking to share their experiences and knowledge with the world about Saudi Arabia, rather than what is sometimes depicted in the Western media.

It is a Saudi Arabia rich with human capital. A country that is striving to achieve an ambitious agenda of long term developmental sustainability. Of balancing the need to make our desert environment livable & enjoyable, while honoring the need for environmental conservation.  Of honoring our heritage while also advancing our culture.  And make no mistake about it, Saudi women will play an ever-increasing and indispensable role in reaching our vision for the future.

There are many misconceptions about our Kingdom. But as "A Day in Riyadh" at the UN will showcase, there is much more that binds our two cities with one another.

Like New York, the city of Riyadh has faced many challenges and growing pains, but we are still committed to succeeding.  Working closely with the United States, with global experts from the United Nations and UN organizations and programs, we are continuing on a path to growth for our citizens. From to the construction of one of the world's largest mass transit systems, to the surge in housing development and foreign investment, Riyadh has more in common with New York every day.

As the United States' second-largest trading partner, Saudi Arabia and the US have forged an interconnected alliance that goes beyond economic and strategic partnerships—an alliance that extends into the realm of culture.  This multilateral, cross-cultural exchange has woven our two nations' deep social and civic connection—a connection that will no doubt surprise those who have a misconception of Saudi Arabia a desert country with only oil to offer.  But for those fortunate enough to travel, it is hardly news that Saudi Arabia is in the midst of significant economic and cultural and urban development.

Now, it is more critical than ever that our two peoples join world leaders in supporting what unites us."

H.E. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Alsultan is the President of the Arriyadh Development Authority and the Mayor of Riyadh.

SOURCE Arriyadh Development Authority