A security arrangement between the United States and Saudi Arabia was unveiled Tuesday by President Donald Trump, facilitating weapons transfers and strengthening the partnership between both nations, POLITICO reported.
The Kingdom would receive a "major non-NATO ally" designation under the pact, a formal status enhancing defense collaboration while stopping short of a security guarantee, according to POLITICO. Joining 19 other nations in this category, Saudi Arabia would stand alongside Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar with this classification.
Relations between America and Saudi Arabia, a crucial Middle East partner, have experienced tensions periodically regarding human rights issues, petroleum policies, and Israel-related matters, among other subjects. The Kingdom has remained a priority for Trump, who made it his first stop on his initial foreign visits during both his first and second presidential terms.
During the black-tie White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom's de facto leader, Trump stated, "A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries, and it will serve the highest interest of peace," POLITICO reported.
The crown prince's declaration that Saudi investments in America would surge from approximately $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion preceded Trump's announcement, which came after Trump dismissed questions regarding the 2018 Washington Post columnist killing that CIA findings linked to Mohammed, POLITICO detailed.
The crown prince remarked during the dinner, "Today is a special day," adding, "We think the horizon of the economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and America is bigger and wider in many areas. We've been signing a lot of agreements that can open the door to developing deeper in many areas," according to POLITICO.
Beyond facilitating weapons transfers, the pact enables Saudi Arabia to serve as a US weapons storage location, qualifies the nation for Pentagon maintenance and repair contract bidding, and permits purchases of depleted uranium ammunition. Treaty obligations requiring the United States to defend the country to the same extent as NATO allies are absent from the agreement.
