Jum'ah stressed that the interdependence of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. on energy matters is a unifying, positive influence, rather than a source of tension. "Far from being a source of vulnerability and dependence, our energy relationship represents a mutual opportunity based on shared interests, which is consistent with the long history of cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia," he said. Earlier in the day, in a step that symbolizes this multidimensional cooperation, Jum'ah and his accompanying delegation toured the recently upgraded Wiess Energy Hall of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. "Like the Saudi Aramco Exhibit in Dhahran, the Wiess Energy Hall of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a world-class facility that represents a valuable addition to society," Jum'ah said. "I hope it will help spread important knowledge, and further spark human ingenuity among the young generation of visitors to improve energy efficiency and advance the industry's environmental performance for the benefit of our planet." --SPA1147 Local Time 0847 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/263275