Biden Picks Career Diplomat Michael Ratney as Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney. (AFP)
Michael Ratney. (AFP)
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Biden Picks Career Diplomat Michael Ratney as Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney. (AFP)
Michael Ratney. (AFP)

President Joe Biden intends to nominate career diplomat Michael Ratney to be US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the White House said on Friday.

Ratney previously served as the charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US special envoy for Syria.

Ratney, whose official biography says he speaks Arabic and French, has previously been deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Doha and has had tours in Mexico City, Baghdad, Beirut, Casablanca, Bridgetown, and Washington.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Strong Condemnation of Israeli Occupation's Crimes against Palestinians

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Strong Condemnation of Israeli Occupation's Crimes against Palestinians

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chairs cabinet session, January 7, 2025 - SPA

The Saudi Cabinet hailed the outcomes of recent discussions between senior Saudi officials and a high-level delegation from the new Syrian administration, and reiterated Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to Syria's security and stability, emphasizing the continuing provision of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Syrian people.

This came during the session held on Tuesday in Riyadh, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to SPA, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary further said the Cabinet discussed the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It stressed the Kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authorities' crimes against the Palestinian people, which constitute grave violations of international and humanitarian law.
Also, the Cabinet reviewed the progress of various development programs, initiatives, and projects aimed at enhancing service delivery to citizens, residents, and visitors. These efforts focus on diversifying the economy, exploring new revenue streams, and maximizing the utilization of available resources and potential.