“As regards the relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, I think they have gone through the transition smoothly,” Prince Saud said.

“I think the process of discussions and the systematic approach we are undertaking will undoubtedly see relations come out as strong as they were in the past,” he added. “There have been consultations and discussions. There have been tremendous efforts to coordinate,” he added in reference to last week’s visit by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s planned visit next week.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington were believed to be Saudis, a factor that made Riyadh a target for what Saudi leaders termed a “smear campaign” by certain sections of the US media.

The 70-year-old ties were further strained when Saudi Arabia staunchly opposed the US-led war on Iraq without United Nations approval.

Following a brief visit by Rumsfeld to Riyadh last week, the two countries agreed on the pullout of US troops from the Kingdom, where they have been stationed since 1990.

Prince Saud said the Kingdom and the United States agreed on the withdrawal of troops after “its mission had been completed”, in reference to the end of enforcing a no-fly zone over southern Iraq.

“The region is a different place” after the Iraq war, the prince said.