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Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, July 2008, page 67 Waging Peace Saudi Aramco Celebrates 75th Anniversary
DAVID BOSCH, director of the Washington, DC office of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), welcomed guests to an elegant May 1 reception and dinner at the Library of Congress to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Aramco. Mary Jane Deeb, chief of the Library’s African and Middle East Division, spoke about the priceless collection housed in the nearby rooms before introducing Dr. James Billington, the Librarian of Congress. This was the perfect setting for an inspiring talk by Abdullah S. Jum’ah, the president and chief executive officer of Saudi Aramco, which manages the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and whom Bosch described as a “lover of books.” “Great things are possible through cooperation and sharing of knowledge,” Jum’ah told guests. “For decades Americans and Saudis have lived and worked together, raising their families side by side, and forging lifelong friendships at Aramco. Together we have accomplished feats which benefitted the world.” In addition, Jum’ah said, every Saudi student who studied in the United States also made friends who helped ease their transition into American society. Americans and Saudi Arabians share values, like hospitality, and they take pride in their history. By the year 2050, the world’s population may reach 9.2 billion, Jum’ah noted. The developing world already is demanding a share of prosperity. “As the world’s leading exporter of energy we will do our best to meet the challenges ahead,” Jum’ah promised. “The steward of massive oil and gas reserves is committed to meeting the needs of the world by encouraging innovation.” To that end, Aramco is helping build the $10-billion King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 50 miles from Jeddah. Just as snowflakes can cause an avalanche, human thought can cause great breakthroughs, Jum’ah concluded to great applause. Scientists and innovators at KAUST may be able to solve some of the world’s energy and environmental concerns and create exciting new technology. —Delinda C. Hanley |
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