LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Washington has appointed Arab News columnist Fahad Nazer as its official spokesperson, it was confirmed on Thursday. Nazer replaces Fatimah Baeshen, who served in the role since September 2017. Baeshen is returning to her field of socioeconomic development work, according to an embassy statement. “We are pleased to welcome Fahad as spokesperson for the embassy in Washington, D.C. His vast knowledge of Saudi Arabia"s political and socio-economic landscapes will undoubtedly help him to tell the story of the Kingdom in the United States,” said Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi ambassador to the US, in a statement. “We are immensely grateful to Fatimah Baeshen for the tremendous service she provided on behalf of the Kingdom, and we wish her luck in her next endeavors. I am confident Fahad will continue her excellent work, and that his expertise and insights will greatly contribute to the team here in Washington and its core objective of strengthening Saudi-US relations.” Fahad Nazer Before his appointment, Nazer was an International Fellow at the National Council on US-Arab Relations, where he provided expertise on political, social, and economic developments in Saudi Arabia, and on the threat posed by extremist groups on the Arabian Peninsula. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Kingdom as spokesperson for the Embassy,” Nazer said. “Through his leadership, Ambassador Prince Khalid bin Salman has built an exceptionally talented team with a determination and vigor reflective of the Saudi people. I look forward to working within the team to build greater understanding, and deepen the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States.” Nazer, who has been a frequent columnist for this newspaper, has held positions with JTG, Inc., Array Information Technology, Inc., and the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. He previously served as a political consultant to the embassy. He confirmed his appointment in a Twitter post. Fahad Nazer فهد ناظر ✔ @fanazer It is my honor to announce that I have been appointed as the Official Spokesperson for the Embassy of #Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC. Please follow me on my official account @KSAEmbassySpox 278 2:42 AM - Jan 24, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy 256 people are talking about this He thanked Prince Khalid bin Salman for appointing him to the role. “I look forward to playing my role in strengthening the Kingdom’s strategic partnership with the United States of America,” Nazer said in a tweet.