Donald Trump inaugurated a new era in relations between the US and Saudi Arabia. The American president celebrated his friendship with Riyadh by honoring Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – after a meeting in the Oval Office – with a dinner and designating his country as a “major ally” of the United States that is not a member of NATO. “I am pleased to announce that we will raise our military cooperation to an even higher level,” the tycoon underscored when announcing the appointment, which only 19 other countries received before Riyadh. “Bin Salman has been a true partner for peace, for the prosperity of our country and the world, and for peace in the Middle East, which is a great achievement for both of us,” he continued. “The main advantage of this trip is the fact that Mbs has demonstrated that he is an integral part of the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia even before he became king,” explained Andrew Leber, a researcher at the Carnegie Middle East Program. And the visit is the prince’s first visit to the US since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents sparked global outrage. Also present at a hundred-person dinner at the White House honoring bin Salman were former first Buddy Elon Musk and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Paramount’s new president David Ellison, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Apple CEO, and Tim Cook. “You know, my son is a big Ronaldo fan,” the tycoon said in his speech, adding that 19-year-old Barron had the opportunity to meet the legendary player, who has become the face of the Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia’s national championship which in recent years has invested billions of dollars to attract some of the world’s most famous footballers.
But the evening also saw the sensational return of the Tesla, The two had met briefly in Arizona to attend the funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September, but on Tuesday there were signs of new harmony: as guests arrived, cameras caught Trump greeting Musk with a quick touch on the arm as he passed among those present, a gesture the South African billionaire responded to with a self-satisfied expression.
Meanwhile, Saudi media rejoiced at the “respect” shown to the crown prince: “Nuclear cooperation, space exploration, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are now being discussed. This is not just bilateral progress, but a strategic leap,” wrote Arab News. Washington and Riyadh signed an agreement on civil nuclear energy, “creating the legal basis for decades of multibillion-dollar cooperation, conducted in accordance with strict non-proliferation standards,” as the White House emphasized.
Additionally, Trump agreed to a major arms deal, which includes future deliveries of F-35s, America’s advanced fighter jets. And yesterday, on the occasion of the US-Saudi Arabia economic forum, he announced the immediate signing of “agreements and sales worth 270 billion between dozens of companies” of the two countries.
