ABU DHABI [MENL] -- The United States has maintained an influential military presence in Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Central Command chief Gen. John Abizaid said the withdrawal of U.S. air assets from Saudi Arabia in 2003 did not end the U.S. military presence in the Arab kingdom. Abizaid said Central Command continues to play an important role in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the training of the kingdom's military and security forces.

"Actually, our current military presence in Saudi Arabia could be described as more than merely symbolic," Abizaid said. "But it certainly is not as extensive as it was in the past."

U.S. officials said the U.S. military maintains about 500 personnel to train the Saudi military and National Guard. In 2004, Riyad requested a $900 million training and equipment project for the Saudi National Guard. No contractors have been yet been awarded.