Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Arabic: سعود بن فيصل بن عبد العزيز آل سعود‎), also known as Saud Al Faisal (Arabic: سعود الفيصل‎‎; 2 January 1940 – 9 July 2015), was a Saudi diplomat and statesman who served as Saudi Arabia's foreign minister from 1975 to 2015. A member of the Saudi royal family, he was the longest-serving foreign minister in world history since Klemens von Metternich.

Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Term	13 October 1975 – 29 April 2015
Predecessor	Faisal
Successor	Adel al-Jubeir
Monarch	Khalid Fahd Abdullah Salman
Born	(1940-01-02)2 January 1940 Ta'if, Saudi Arabia
Died	9 July 2015(2015-07-09) (aged 75) Los Angeles, United States
Spouse	Jawhara bint Abdullah bin Abdul-Rahman
Full name Saud Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Father	King Faisal
Mother	Iffat Al-Thunayan

Early life, education and early career

Saud bin Faisal was born in Taif on 2 January 1940.[1][2] He was the second son of the Arabian King Faisal and Iffat Al-Thunayan who was born to a Turkish family.[3][4][5] He was the full brother of Mohammed bin Faisal, Turki bin Faisal, Luluwah bint Faisal, Sara bint Faisal and Haifa bint Faisal.[6]

Prince Saud attended the Hun School of Princeton[7] and graduated from Princeton University in 1964 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics.[8][9] In 2007 he told Ford Fraker, then US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, that during his studies at Princeton he would like to leave the university and to return to the country.[10] However, his father, Faisal, came to the campus and persuaded him to complete his education.[10]

Following his return to Saudi Arabia Prince Saud became an economic consultant for the ministry of petroleum.[8] In 1966, he moved to general organization for petroleum and mineral resources (Petromin).[8] In February 1970, he became deputy governor of Petromin for planning affairs.[8] He was also a member of the High Coordination Committee.[8] In 1971, he became deputy minister of petroleum.[8] Prince Saud served in this post at the oil ministry until 1975 when he was appointed as state minister for foreign affairs.[11]

Foreign Minister

Saud bin Faisal was appointed to the post in October 1975.[11] His term ended on 29 April 2015 when he was replaced by Adel al-Jubeir, a former Saudi ambassador to the United States.[12]

Timeline

On 13 October 1975, King Khalid appointed him as foreign minister.[11][13] He was well regarded in the diplomatic community.[14]

In May 1985, he officially visited Iran and meetings were focused on the annual pilgrimage of Iranians to Mecca.[15] The same year Prince Saud raised awareness in Britain of Soviet activity in the Horn of Africa.[4] He asked Condoleezza Rice to focus on "key substantive issues" of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He complained that US banks were auditing Saudi Embassy banks illegally. He asserted that auditors were "inappropriate and aggressive". He also declared that the Saudi Embassy has diplomatic immunity.[16]

Prince Saud said in 2004 that Saudi Arabia would like to reduce its dependence on U.S.-dominated security arrangements.[17] In July 2004, he claimed the real source of problems in the Middle East were not Muslims but "injustice and deprivation inflicted in the region".[18] In August 2007, he denied allegations that terrorists were travelling from Saudi Arabia to Iraq and claimed it was vice versa.[19][20]

On 10 March 2006, he met with Hamas leaders in Riyadh.[21] In July 2006, he urged U.S. President George W. Bush to call for a ceasefire in the Lebanon bombing.[22] In January 2008, he supported parliamentary elections in Pakistan. He indicated that Pakistan did not need "overt, external interference" to solve political division. He commended Nawaz Sharif as stable bipartisan candidate.[23]

In February 2010, he told General Jones to distinguish between friends and enemies in Pakistan rather than using indiscriminate military action. He insisted that Pakistan's army must maintain its credibility.[24] In November 2010, he led the Saudi delegation at the G-20 Summit.[25]

In January 2011, he withdrew out of mediation efforts to reinstate a government in Lebanon.[26] In March 2011, he went to Europe to rally support for Saudi Arabia's intervention in Bahrain.[27]

Prince Saud in 2012

After U.S. Gulf Cooperation Council forum at the GCC secretariat in Riyadh on 31 March 2012, he said it was a "duty" to arm the Syrian opposition and help them defend themselves against the daily bloody crackdown by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.[28] Commenting on the fragile security situation, Prince Saud noted that: "One of the most important causes is the continuation of the unresolved conflict as well as the continuation of the Israeli aggression policy against the Palestinians. "We have discussed, in the meeting, many issues, especially the heinous massacre against the Syrian people. We also discussed the latest developments in Yemen, and reviewed the overall developments and political situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as their repercussions on the security and stability of the region and the world," Prince Saud said.[29]

Iran and Lebanon

Rather than military action on Iran, Saud Al Faisal called for tougher sanctions such as travel bans and further bank lending restrictions.[30] He has stated U.S. foreign policy has tilted more power for Iran.[31] He compared the Iranian influence in Iraq with Iranian influence in Lebanon.[16] He commended positive developments by Iran such as its influence over Hezbollah to end street protests.[16]

In early 2011, he expressed fear of the "dangerous" instability in Lebanon after the fall of the Saad Hariri government. He also stated that Lebanon's ability to establish peaceful coexistence with so many different groups may be a significant loss in the Arab world if the nation failed in creating a government.[26]

Prince Saud (left) meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on 14 February 2008.

In May 2014 it was reported that Prince Saud had invited Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to visit Riyadh, breaking the ice in one of the most hostile relationships in the Middle East ahead of key talks on Iran's nuclear program in Vienna. Speaking to reporters in the Saudi capital, Foreign Minister Prince Saud said the kingdom was ready to host Iranian Foreign Minister "anytime he sees fit" and indicated that Riyadh was willing to open negotiations with its nemesis on the many combustible issues dividing them.[32]

Other governmental activities

Starting in 1998 under the reign of King Fahd, Saud Al Faisal and then the Crown Prince Abdullah managed the energy sector through a committee of technocrats and princes.[33] More specifically, Prince Saud was appointed chairman of the Saudi Aramco's committee charged with the project assessment in September 1999.[34]

On 20 November 2009, King Abdullah appointed Prince Saud as the chairman of the influential supreme economic council of Saudi Arabia.[35][36] Prince Saud was also a member of the military service council.[37]

Views

Saudi foreign policy is designed by the King, not by the foreign minister.[4] Prince Saud worked closely with King Khalid, King Fahd and King Abdullah.

Prince Saud was firmly anti-Soviet and was an Arab nationalist.[4] He was more resistant to Israeli proposals than King Fahd.[4] He lamented his legacy might be defined "by profound disappointment than by success". He regretted how his generation of leaders failed to create a Palestinian state.[14] He encouraged Iraqis to defend their country's sovereignty.[38]

In the Saudi royal court, his relationship with King Fahd was strained,[4] but he was one of King Abdullah's closest allies.[39] He was among the Saudi officials who worked to improve Saudi Arabia's international image and maintain its strong relationship with the United States after the September 11 attacks.[40][41]

Personal life

Prince Saud was married to his cousin Jawhara bint Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman,[9] and they have three sons and three daughters.[1][4][42] His daughter Haifa bint Saud is married to Prince Sultan bin Salman.[43] Prince Saud lived in Jeddah.[16] Unlike other members of the Al Saud, he often spoke publicly and interacted with reporters.[44] He spoke several languages, including English, Spanish, Hebrew, French, Italian, and German.[14] He liked to play tennis.[4]

Prince Saud had a house in Los Angeles's the Beverly Hills Post Office neighborhood which he built in 1983.[45]

Social roles

Prince Saud involved in philanthropy. He was a founding member of the King Faisal Foundation and served as chairman of the board of directors for the King Faisal School and Al Faisal University in Riyadh. He was also a member of the Society for Disabled Children and the Madinah Society for Welfare and Social Services.[46]

Illness and death

Prince Saud suffered from Parkinson's disease and back pain.[44] He had surgery in the United States.[44] His physical appearance showed signs of health deterioration, especially difficulty standing upright.[44] On 11 August 2012, he had another surgery to remove a "simple" blockage in the intestines due to adhesions resulting from previous surgery.[47] The operation was performed at the Specialist Hospital in Jeddah.[48] Prince Saud went to Los Angeles after he left the hospital on 6 September 2012. The ministry announced that he would stay there for a while.[49] On 25 January 2015, Prince Saud had a successful spine surgery in the U.S.[50] In March 2015 he was photographed using a walker.[51] With age, Saud faced many health problems, suffering from chronic back pain and having had various surgeries.[52]

Prince Saud died on 9 July 2015 at the age of 75 in Los Angeles.[53][54] His funeral prayer was held in Grand Mosque in Mecca.[55]

Honour

Foreign honour

•  Malaysia : Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (P.M.N.) (1982)[56]

Ancestry

Ancestors of Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

16. Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud 8. Abdul Rahman bin Faisal 17. Sarah bint Mishari bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Saud 4. Abdulaziz ibn Saud 18. Ahmed Al Kabir bin Mohammed bin Turki Al Sudairi 9. Sarah bint Ahmed Al Kabir bin Mohammed Al Sudairi 2. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 20. Abdulateef Al Sheikh 10. Abdullah bin Abdulateef Al Sheikh 5. Tarfa bint Abdullah bin Abdulateef Al Sheikh 1. Saud bin Faisal Al Saud 12. Saud Al Thunayan 6. Mohammad bin Saud Al Thunayan 3. Iffat Al Thunayan 7. Asia

References

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3. Steve Coll (1 April 2008). The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century. Penguin Publishing Group. p. 163. ISBN 978-1-101-20272-2.
4. "Briefing" (PDF). The Guardian. 25 September 1985. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
5. Winberg Chai (22 September 2005). Saudi Arabia: A Modern Reader. University Press. p. 193. ISBN 978-0-88093-859-4.
6. Bahgat Korany; Ali E. Hillal Dessouki (1 January 2010). The Foreign Policies of Arab States: The Challenge of Globalization. American Univ in Cairo Press. p. 369. ISBN 978-977-416-360-9.
7. Thomas, Katrina. "America as Alma Mater", Saudi Aramco World, May/June 1979. Retrieved 27 January 2011.
8. "Saudi-European Relations: Towards a Reliable Partnership" (PDF). European Policy Centre. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
9. Nick Luddington (5 April 1975). "King Faisal's eight sons". Lewiston Evening Journal. Jeddah. AP. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
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13. http://saudalfaisal.com/index_En.html
14. Michael Slackman (17 December 2009). "A Legacy of Regret for a Saudi Diplomat". The New York Times.
15. Gary G. Sick (Spring 1987). "Iran's Quest for Superpower Status". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
16. James C. Oberwetter (24 February 2007). "APHSCT Townsend February 6 meeting with foreign minister Prince Saud Al Faisal". WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks cable: 07RIYADH367. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
17. Wenran Jiang (11 July 2007). "China's Growing Energy Relations" (PDF). China Brief. 12 (14): 12–15. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
18. Prince Saud Al Faisal; Peter G. Peterson. "The United States and Saudi Arabia: A Relationship Threatened by Misconceptions". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
19. "Iraq: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy" (PDF). Retrieved 25 May 2011.
20. "Saudi Arabia slams UN double standard". Coastal Digest. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
21. Mahjoob Zweiri (2006). "The Hamas Victory: shifting sands or major earthquake?" (PDF). Third World Quarterly. 27 (4): 675–687. doi:10.1080/01436590600720876. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
22. Abramowitz, Michael, and Robin Wright.Saudi Arabia Asks U.S. to Intervene in Lebanon. The Washington Post, 24 July 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
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29. "Arming Syrian opposition is a duty, says Prince Saud". Saudi Gazette. 1 April 2012. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
30. Vilensky, Mike. "WikiLeaks: Saudi King Abdullah Encouraged U.S. to Attack Iran; Chinese Politburo Hacked Into Google – Daily Intel". NY Mag. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
31. James Smith (11 February 2010). "Scenesetter for Secretary Clinton's Feb 15–16 visit to Saudi Arabia". WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks cable: 10RIYADH178. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
32. "In thaw, Saudi Arabia extends invitation to Iran". Washington Post. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
33. Seznec, J. F. (October 2002). "Stirrings in Saudi Arabia" (PDF). Journal of Democracy. 13 (4): 33–40. doi:10.1353/jod.2002.0080. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
34. David G. Victor; David R. Hults; Mark C. Thurber (8 December 2011). Oil and Governance: State-Owned Enterprises and the World Energy Supply. Cambridge University Press. p. 184. ISBN 978-1-107-00442-9.
35. Anne-Beatrice Clasmann (20 November 2009). "Discreetly, Saudis speculate about the throne succession". M&C News. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
36. "Royal Decree to add Prince Saud Al Faisal, Prince Mohammed bin Naif". Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Supreme Economic Council. 16 November 2009. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
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38. "No politics for Ben Ali in Kingdom". Arab News. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
39. MacDowall, Angus (29 April 2015). "NEWSMAKER-Saudi veteran foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal". Reuters. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
40. "Saudi Arabia's veteran foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal dies". Al-Araby. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
41. Saudi Arabia in the Balance: Political Economy, Society, Foreign Affairs (2006), ed. by Paul Aarts and Gerd Nonneman
42. "About Ministry". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
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44. Henderson, Simon. "Foreign Policy: A Prince's Mysterious Disappearance". NPR. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
45. "Chris Hardwick sold his house to Princess Reem Al Faisal". Dirt. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
46. "Saudi Arabia: HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud". American Bedu. Retrieved 31 March 2012.
47. Sara Anablawi (12 August 2012). "Saudi's foreign minister undergoes abdominal surgery". Arabian Business. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
48. "King Visits Prince Saud Al Faisal". Saudi Press Agency. 19 August 2012. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
49. "Saudi Arabia: Foreign minister recovering from abdominal surgery in his Los Angeles home". The Washington Post. AP. 10 September 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2012.
50. "الديوان الملكي: نجاح عملية أجراها سعود الفيصل". Al Arabiya. 25 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
51. "Saudi FM urges coalition to face ISIS challenge on the ground". The Daily Star. 5 March 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
52. "Former Saudi FM Prince Saud Al Faisal dies". Al Jazeera. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
53. "Former Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal Dies". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
54. "Breaking: Saudi ex-Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal dead at 75". Gulf News. Reuters, AFP. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
55. "Teary farewell to Prince Saud". Susris. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
56. "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat".

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN

Political offices
Preceded by Faisal	Minister of Foreign Affairs 1975–2015	Succeeded by Adel al-Jubeir
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Muqrin bin Abdulaziz	Saudi Arabian Special Envoy 2015	Vacant