Riyadh (TDI): Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday inked a strategic economic partnership deal in Riyadh during Trump’s regional visit.
The partnership included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the energy, mining, and defense fields.
Defense collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the US centered on the modernization of the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces, along with a deal between the Saudi Space Agency and NASA.
Other deals included an MoU on mineral resources; an accord with the Department of Justice; and collaboration on infectious diseases.
Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia Tuesday on what he described “historic” tour of the Middle East that will mix urgent diplomacy on Gaza with huge business agreements.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly welcomed the US President as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and kicked off his Middle East tour.
The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where the President and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun-belts.
Read More: Trump Lands in Saudi Arabia as Middle East Visit Begins
Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached Riyadh. Trump and Prince Mohammed also attended a lunch at the Royal Court, meeting with guests and aides.
Later, Trump will also attend a formal dinner hosted by the crown prince. The president is also scheduled to take part in a US-Saudi investment conference.
Read More: Trump Plans Saudi Visit for $1tr Investment Deal
Air Force One took off on a journey that will include trips to Qatar and the UAE and possibly negotiations in Türkiye on the Ukraine war.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
