Saudi Arabia finally gets a US ambassador after 2-year vacancy
The career diplomat’s confirmation follows China's brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as improving relations between Washington and Riyadh.
The Senate confirmed Michael Ratney on Wednesday to serve as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, almost a year since he was nominated to the position. The confirmation follows improvements in US-Saudi relations, including a significant multibillion dollar Boeing purchase this week.
Background: Ratney, 62, is a career foreign service officer. He most recently served as acting deputy director of the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute.
Ratney speaks Arabic and has extensive experience in the Middle East. His resume includes serving as chargé d’affaires of the US embassy in Jerusalem, acting deputy assistant secretary for the Levant and Israel and Palestinian Affairs, special envoy for Syria, spokesman for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, and deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Doha. Additional past assignments include Baghdad, Beirut and Casablanca, according to the State Department.
Congratulations to Michael Ratney on his Senate confirmation to become the next U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He will carry forward a strong, dynamic eight-decade bilateral relationship, encompassing multiple key interests, from regional security to trade. pic.twitter.com/RWVfnwb9ln
