Statement of Condolences by Ambassador Smith on the Death of Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2012

I am deeply saddened by the death of HRH Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior. As U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I convey my heart-felt condolences on behalf of the U.S. Embassy and the people of the United States of America to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the family of Crown Prince Naif, and the people of Saudi Arabia, over the passing of Crown Prince Naif. I had the pleasure of meeting and consulting with Crown Prince Naif many times to discuss key regional and bi-lateral issues, and I am personally going to miss his strong partnership and leadership.

This is a sad day not only for Saudi Arabia, but also for the United States, which lost a close friend. Crown Prince Naif was a strong leader and a good friend to the United States. On a day like this, we can’t but remember that Crown Prince Naif was known for his courage and dedication to the security of his country, his steadfast service to the Hajj, and his visionary leadership in the fight against extremism. Many Saudis and non-Saudis alike will miss Crown Prince Naif, who has been a pillar of the modern Saudi state for decades.

Prince Naif will be sorely missed for his pivotal role in the deep and enduring relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, and to Saudi Arabia as a whole, on the occasion of this great loss.

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