I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people on the occasion of the 94th National Day. The Kingdom has made extraordinary strides, particularly over the past seven years, as it embarks on the transformative journey of Vision 2030. The progress achieved in such a short time is truly remarkable and serves as a model to many around the world.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have enjoyed a long-standing partnership based on shared national interests, dating back to 1945 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt met with King Abdulaziz Al Saud aboard the USS Quincy. This relationship has only deepened over the decades, and at Lockheed Martin, we are proud to have been a partner to the Kingdom since 1965, when the first C-130 aircraft arrived in Saudi Arabia.
In the past, we delivered the world’s best defense and aerospace systems to the Kingdom. Today, however, we are doing much more — we are collaborating with the Kingdom’s defense industry to manufacture and repair state-of-the-art systems within the country. This commitment not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s security but also contributes to the localization efforts central to Vision 2030.
For the past six years, my family and I have had the privilege of living in Saudi Arabia. This has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the personal and professional relationships I have formed with so many wonderful Saudis. These connections have deepened my appreciation for the culture and the spirit of the Kingdom.
What excites me most about Saudi Arabia’s future is the opportunity to work with the next generation of Saudi innovators—especially those in high schools and universities. Their talent, enthusiasm, and determination are remarkable. I witness this firsthand during our third annual summer internship program, where young Saudis showcase their exceptional potential.
This summer, our Saudi interns worked alongside Lockheed Martin’s space experts to identify the ideal landing site for a lunar mission. Their work impressed not only our team but also the Saudi officials who had the opportunity to see their progress. These young leaders represent the Kingdom’s bright future, and I am proud to support them on their journey.
On behalf of Lockheed Martin, I wish the entire Kingdom a very happy National Day.
Joseph Rank
Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia & Africa
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