The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, met with top leaders of the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 8 and 9, 2022. This is the second time the ambassador has visited the Church global headquarters.
The ambassador met with the Church’s First Presidency: President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring. Princess Reema was also greeted by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Anthony D. Perkins, president of the Church's Middle East/Africa North Area.
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The group discussed our shared humanity as children of God and the need to sustain religious values in a changing world. Her Excellency praised a new pamphlet produced by the Church called “Muslims and Latter-day Saints: Beliefs, Values, and Lifestyles” as an effective way to educate believers about those of other faiths.
The ambassador also visited Utah in March 2020 and spoke of her appreciation for the state.
"Although thousands of miles apart, the Kingdom and Utah share much in common, an integral part of that being a faith-based community," she said. "Faith provides us the opportunities to exercise equality, charity, and community-based initiatives. It is our way of life in the Kingdom, and I see the similarities here in Utah."
Another topic of a discussion was the need for religious tolerance. This is an important subject for Church leaders, who are sharing this message around the world. In July, President Oaks spoke at a Catholic conference in Rome and called for a global effort to protect religious freedom for all people. And in May, Elder Perkins participated in a groundbreaking faith conference in Riyadh called Forum on Common Values Among Religious Followers.
The ambassador also spent an hour talking to the Church's top female leaders: Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon and Primary General President Susan H. Porter. The women discussed the need to strengthen the faith of teenagers and children and the role of women in faith groups.
"I think it's so good for women to know that, yes, you are a part of this work," Princess Reema said. "I believe women should have every opportunity. Whatever they choose — we should support them."
Princess Reema said that she is encouraging young adults from Saudi Arabia to work or study in Utah.
"We are a nation that is very proud of our faith," she said. "That foundation builds a strong sense of community. That is what really allows our community to connect with other faith-based communities. It's why I'm so excited for our young people to come here [to Utah]. It's a soft landing for them."
The ambassador said that building relationships with people of all different religions is important to her.
"We firmly believe that the connectivity of faith-based individuals is what is going to save our future," she said. "I am thrilled to meet with other women leaders today that are using their platforms to empower women and provide them with the resources and opportunities for success."
The three general officers were also grateful for the opportunity to connect with the ambassador.
“It was a treasured experience to meet with Princess Reema," President Johnson said. "She is courageous, articulate and poised. I am happy to know we share the belief that we are all children of God, brothers and sisters who are more alike than we are different.”
President Cordon said, "Her Royal Highness Princess Reema is a remarkable ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She has a gift for recognizing and cultivating the strengths of her country that are echoed here in the United States — especially faith, freedom and family. Princess Reema is a force for good and has a vision of what we can do when we collaborate and focus on the many things we have in common."
"It was a great blessing to meet with Princess Reema," President Porter said. "She is engaged in so many important efforts, including building bridges with those of other faiths and working with women to help them discover their identity and gifts. Her warmth and intelligence have helped her find keys to opening doors and facilitating understanding. By the end of our discussion we felt like friends."
Princess Reema met with the First Presidency on her previous visit to Salt Lake City in March 2020. At that time, she also toured the Church's Humanitarian Center and learned about the Church's efforts to help those in need around the world.
