Saudi, US sign to deepen strategic partnership

Arab News :

Saudi Arabia and the US signed a number of agreements on Tuesday to bolster their strategic ties as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House.

He and US President Donald Trump signed agreements on strategic defense, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, critical metals, Saudi investments, financial and economic partnership, education and training, and vehicle safety standards. During the meeting at the White House, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed joint efforts to advance their strategic partnerships.

They also addressed regional and international developments, and ways to strengthen regional and global security and stability.

The meeting was co-chaired by Trump and the crown prince, and was attended by senior Saudi and US officials.

The defense agreement affirms that the two countries are capable security partners able to work together to confront regional and international challenges and threats, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It deepens long-term defense coordination, enhances deterrence capabilities and readiness, and supports the development and integration of defense capacities between the two countries, the SPA added.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the agreement “underscores both nations’ firm commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, enhancing regional security, and advancing global peace and stability.”

Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar said the “agreements will spur investment into both countries, generate job opportunities for Saudis and Americans, and reinforce our shared commitment to regional and global security.”

Earlier in the Oval Office, Trump offered a warm welcome to the crown prince, who announced that the Kingdom’s US investments would be increased to almost $1 trillion from a promise of $600 billion announced by Riyadh earlier this year.

“Today is a very important time in our history,” said the crown prince. “There’s a lot of things we’re working on for the future.”