U.S.–Saudi Arabia Relations Timeline
Chronology of Events — 1933 to Present
1933 — The United States and Saudi Arabia establish full diplomatic relations. 1938 — King Abdel Aziz grants a concession to Standard Oil to explore in Saudia Arabia’s eastern province. Oil is discovered the same year, and the joint enterprise becomes the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco). 1943 — U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that “the defense of Saudi Arabia is vital to the defense of the United States,” thereby making possible the extension of the Lend-Lease program (supplying certain allies with supplies during World War II) to the kingdom. 1944 — The United States opens an embassy in…
