Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, concluded a historic visit to the United States, culminating in the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights and the achievement of significant milestones in the fields of economy, defense, and diplomacy. The visit was warmly welcomed by then-US President Donald Trump, who described it as "historic," praising the Crown Prince's wise leadership and his role in enhancing bilateral relations.
Historical Background of Saudi-US Relations:
This visit builds upon decades of strong diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, which officially began in the 1940s. Over the years, this relationship has evolved into a strategic alliance based on shared interests in energy, regional security, and counterterrorism. The visit also comes within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by the Crown Prince, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil, thus opening new avenues for economic and investment cooperation with international partners, foremost among them the United States.
Significant Economic and Investment Achievements:
The economic aspect formed the cornerstone of the visit, with the “US-Saudi Investment Forum” witnessing the signing of major agreements aimed at increasing the size of the economic partnership to $1 trillion. During the forum, which was attended by top CEOs of American technology and energy companies, agreements worth $30 billion were signed in the energy sector alone. The Crown Prince affirmed that these agreements will contribute to creating job opportunities in both countries and support plans for knowledge transfer and the localization of advanced technologies, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation:
On the defense front, the visit witnessed the signing of a strategic defense agreement, which the Crown Prince described as a “historic step.” President Trump announced the designation of Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally of the United States,” a designation that grants the Kingdom special privileges in military cooperation and defense trade. Trump affirmed his country’s commitment to providing the Kingdom with the best military systems, describing the partnership between the two countries as being “at its best” and the alliance as “stronger than ever.”
A pivotal diplomatic role in regional issues:
The visit's discussions were not limited to bilateral matters but extended to pressing regional issues, highlighting the Kingdom's growing diplomatic role. President Trump revealed that the Crown Prince had asked for his assistance in resolving the crisis in Sudan and provided him with a comprehensive explanation of the country's history and complex situation. Trump added, "We will begin working on Sudan after Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked me to do so." Trump also invited the Crown Prince to join a proposed "peace council" to manage the Gaza Strip and the Middle East, reflecting international confidence in the Kingdom's role as a key stabilizing force in the region.
The future impact of the visit:
The outcomes of this visit represent a significant boost to the Vision 2030 programs, as the investments and agreements signed contribute to accelerating economic diversification and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub attractive to investment. Regionally and internationally, the visit solidified the Saudi-American alliance as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Middle East and demonstrated the Kingdom's ability to positively influence the resolution of complex regional conflicts.
