The U.S.-Saudi Business Council welcomes the recent announcement that Michael A. Ratney has been confirmed as the new U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and looks forward to the contributions he will make to strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations. Mr. Ratney brings with him a wealth of experience from a long career in diplomatic and international affairs.
At the time of his nomination Mr. Ratney stated he was committed to a “strong and sustainable U.S.-Saudi partnership that advances U.S. interests and reflects U.S. values,” and that he is motivated by “demonstrating the durable American commitment to our partners and allies and to our values.”
Mr. Ratney started his career with the U.S. Foreign Service in 1990 after earning his M.A. from George Washington University. Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Ratney served as the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Israel-Palestinian Affairs and as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria. He has previously served in U.S. missions in Qatar, Mexico, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Barbados, and most recently in Israel, where he served as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. embassy. Mr. Ratney speaks English, Arabic, and French fluently.
