The visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister, to Washington, D.C., on November 17 and 18 marked a pivotal turning point in Saudi-American relations. It went beyond mere diplomatic protocol, establishing a new phase of deep strategic cooperation in defense, technology, and energy. The visit became a global event thanks to the impressive ceremonies and tangible achievements, reflecting the Kingdom's political and economic weight on the international stage.
Historical background and strategic context
Saudi-American relations are based on a long history of partnership that began decades ago, primarily founded on the equation of “energy for security.” However, in light of global transformations and the emergence of Saudi Vision 2030, this relationship has evolved to encompass new dimensions beyond oil. This visit comes within the context of the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy, build advanced technological capabilities, and strengthen its defense system to confront regional challenges. Today, the partnership is driven by a shared vision for the future, centered on innovation, investment, and regional stability.
Historic reception and economic summit at the White House
The reception accorded to the Crown Prince at the White House was exceptional by all accounts, transcending the boundaries of a mere "official working visit" to rise to the level of a "state visit." From the performance of the military band to the entrance of the cavalry carrying the flags of both countries, every detail conveyed a clear message reflecting profound respect and esteem. The Crown Prince's charisma shone through in his constant smile and confidence, leaving a powerful impression on those present and observers worldwide.
The formal dinner in the East Room was no less significant, transforming into a mini-economic summit that brought together an elite group of leaders from the world's largest companies. The hall was filled with billionaires from the worlds of technology, finance, and industry, including Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Tim Cook (Apple), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Lisa Su (AMD), and the heads of giants like Blackstone, Citigroup, and General Motors. The presence of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was also noteworthy. This high-profile attendance was not merely a celebration, but a confirmation of the international business community's confidence in the Kingdom's ambitious vision and promising economic future.
Strategic achievements that enhance the Kingdom's security and future
Beyond the celebratory aspect, the visit resulted in a package of high-quality agreements that form essential pillars for the Kingdom's future and security:
- Strategic Defense Agreement: A historic defense agreement was signed, accompanied by the US president's decision to designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA). This designation grants the Kingdom privileges in acquiring the latest US technologies and weapons, significantly enhancing its defense capabilities.
- Peaceful Nuclear Program: A bilateral cooperation agreement in the field of peaceful nuclear energy was signed, a crucial step within the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify energy sources, meet increasing domestic demand, and achieve environmental sustainability goals.
- Advanced F-35 Fighter Jets: An agreement has been reached to sell F-35 stealth fighters to the Kingdom, the most advanced aircraft in the American arsenal. These fighters will give the Royal Saudi Air Force a qualitative edge thanks to their stealth capabilities, intelligence gathering, and precision strike capabilities.
- Leading the way in artificial intelligence: Agreements were signed with major chip companies, and the Crown Prince announced that the Kingdom would invest $50 billion annually in this sector, with the aim of establishing its position as a global power in the field of data and artificial intelligence, which is the backbone of the future digital economy.
Expected impact: local, regional, and international dimensions
The outcomes of this visit extend far beyond bilateral relations. Domestically, these agreements provide a significant boost to the Vision 2030 programs, accelerate economic transformation, and bolster national security. Regionally, they send a strong deterrent message to any entity seeking to destabilize the region and reaffirm the Kingdom's leading role. Internationally, the visit underscores the importance of the Saudi-American alliance as a cornerstone of global stability and positions the Kingdom at the heart of the global technological race, making it an indispensable partner in shaping the future.
