Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump signed agreements on nuclear energy, defense, vital minerals, and artificial intelligence during their meeting at the White House.
The White House said they signed an AI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a framework for essential minerals, and agreements on civil nuclear energy.
Additionally, a US-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement (SDA) was signed by both presidents, and Trump approved the sale of F-35 aircraft and tanks.
The crown prince received full ceremonial honors, including a military guard and a flyover by US aircraft, for his first visit to the White House in seven years.
As he welcomed the crown prince, Trump emphasized their long-standing personal connections and called him “an extremely respected” figure.
Prince Mohammed announced intentions to increase Saudi investment in the US from an estimated $600 billion to almost $1 trillion during their speech.
He presented the increase as a strategic commitment to US prosperity, citing the kingdom’s growing need for cutting-edge processors and processing capacity.
He said, “We believe in the future of America,” describing the opportunities as “real” and driven by business. In response, Trump said that the US “appreciates it very much.”
Trump reaffirmed his belief that the crown prince had no involvement in the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Prince Mohammed condemned the murder as a “huge mistake” and called it “painful” for Saudi Arabia. He also said that his administration has tightened protocols to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. He emphasized that the monarchy had taken actions that it considers necessary and remedial.
Regarding regional diplomacy, the crown prince affirmed Saudi Arabia’s desire to formally establish ties with Israel and join the Abraham Accords. But he emphasized that Riyadh needs what it views as a “clear path toward a two-state solution” before moving forward.
The two presidents are scheduled to attend a US-Saudi investment meeting in Washington on Wednesday.
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