Saudi Crown Prince's visit to the United States: Strengthening bilateral relations
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman begins a working visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House next Tuesday. Talks between the US president and the crown prince will begin in the Oval Office, followed by a working lunch.
Expectations of a warm welcome and strategic agreements
Bloomberg News predicted that the Saudi Crown Prince would receive a warm welcome from President Trump, as Prince Mohammed bin Salman hoped to leave the United States having secured agreements that would strengthen the deep ties between the world's largest economy and its biggest oil exporter. The Crown Prince's arrival in Washington was preceded by intensive talks between US and Saudi officials to finalize the anticipated agreements, including a joint defense pact, assistance with the Kingdom's peaceful nuclear program, and a deal to purchase 48 F-35 fighter jets.
US-Saudi Investment Conference
The Crown Prince's visit continues on Wednesday with a US-Saudi investment conference, expected to be attended by leading business figures from Wall Street and Silicon Valley. According to Princeton University's Professor of Near Eastern Studies, Bernard Haykel, the visit aims to forge a stronger partnership to lay the foundation for a new Middle East.
White House reception and dinner
The Associated Press reported that a grand reception will be held for the Crown Prince on the South Lawn of the White House. Following this, President Trump and the Crown Prince will meet in the Oval Office, after which agreements will be signed and a working lunch will be held. On Tuesday evening, the Crown Prince will attend a dinner in the East Room of the White House, hosted by First Lady Melania Trump.
Economic and defense agreements
President Trump told reporters he is considering approving Saudi Arabia's request to purchase F-35 fighter jets. He confirmed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit will include economic and defense agreements, indicating that cooperation between the two countries will be expanded.
Security guarantees and enhanced joint defense
Bloomberg predicted that the Crown Prince would receive an executive order from the US President granting Saudi Arabia the necessary security guarantees. Firas Maksad, director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Eurasia Group, affirmed that joint defense is vital to Saudi Vision 2030.
Ongoing talks and anticipated agreements
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that discussions between the Americans and Saudis are ongoing, with significant progress made since Trump's visit to the Kingdom. Bloomberg reported that Saudi Arabia is seeking to purchase F-35 fighter jets and reach security arrangements to ensure the technology does not fall into the hands of any third party.
Strengthening the strategic partnership
Newsweek magazine confirmed that the United States considers Saudi Arabia a reliable partner in a region marked by uncertainty. Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, explained that Saudi Arabia is seeking a permanent mutual defense agreement that will remain in place after President Trump's term ends.
