The US envoy to Saudi Arabia has praised the economic and tourism development work taking place the Kingdom during a visit to the northwest of the country. John Abizaid’s comments came during a meeting on Monday with Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, during which they discussed matters of mutual interest. As part of a tour of the region, the American ambassador and his accompanying delegation also visited Bin Assi Center for Equestrian and Heritage in Tabuk, where they were received by its director, Ibrahim bin Assi Al-Atawi. The US party was briefed on the center’s museum and its displays of vintage cars, photos of Tabuk, its governorates, heritage villages and old markets, and other items highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage. At the end of the visit, Abizaid lauded the development and progress being witnessed in the Tabuk region, its tourist potential, and the museum’s rare and “special” exhibits. Al-Atawi presented the envoy with a book about the Tabuk region written in English. During his meeting with Abizaid, Prince Fahd noted the strength of relations between America and the Kingdom, and the joint cooperation initiatives taking place across a range of fields. Saudi Arabia has forged firm bonds with the US since the beginning of bilateral ties in 1933 when full diplomatic relations were established. The relationship between the two countries has been based on the shared fundamental interests of economic prosperity, security and stability. Abizaid said he had been pleased to meet with the prince and praised the development that he had witnessed in the region, covering many areas.