In the first days of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh, he signed with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the “strategic economic partnership document”, which Washington described as a qualitative shift in the relationship between the two countries, and opens wide horizons for cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, technology and vital industries.
In its intervention from the Saudi capital, Al -Jazeera correspondent, Wajdi, said that the American administration views this document as a pivotal step to support the American economy, by providing thousands of jobs and strengthening government partnerships, especially in the fields of energy and defense.
She explained that the document includes memoranda of understanding in vital areas, most notably rare minerals and peaceful nuclear energy, as well as military training and defensive support.
This signature comes in conjunction with the White House announcement in a statement of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to historical investments in the United States of up to 600 billion dollars, including major defensive deals worth 142 billion dollars, by providing the Kingdom with advanced equipment and training services from more than 12 American defense companies.
The agreements concluded also include great support for building the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces.
Defense industries localization
For his part, Al -Jazeera correspondent Badr Al -Rubaian from the Media Center in Riyadh explained that the expected partnership includes Saudi and American ministries and bodies, including defense and energy, as well as cooperation in space and military manufacturing.
He stressed that part of the agreements seeks to settle defense industries in the Kingdom, in order to enhance their strategic vision towards self -sufficiency.
Al -Rubaian indicated that the new partnership includes a number of memoranda of understanding that did not reveal its financial value, as they are agreements between governments.
He pointed out that the signature coincided with the launch of the Saudi -American Investment Forum, which hosts more than a thousand participants, and includes sessions and workshops that will culminate in the signing of commercial partnerships with huge amounts between Saudi and American companies.
Wafi reaffirmed that the American President considered the Saudi commitment to these investments a victory for his foreign economic policies, noting that the White House described the agreement that it will enhance the security of US energy, contribute to the progress of defense and technology industries, and represents a pillar of American economic security for future generations.
Investments details
It also indicated that the American statement separated the distribution of investments, of which 20 billion dollars are for energy and technical systems, as well as partnerships with major companies such as “Oracle”, in the areas of infrastructure and minerals.
She considered that this cooperation reflects the difference of Trump’s approach to his predecessor, Joe Biden, who focused on the files of Ukraine and Israel, without providing similar steps in relations with the Gulf.
On the Saudi side, Al -Rubaian stressed that this partnership comes within the Kingdom’s 2030 vision aimed at diversifying the economy and developing vital sectors, especially defense, education and health.
He explained that Saudi Arabia sees an opportunity in the agreement to maximize local production and expand the base of partnerships with the leading American companies.
He explained that the American delegation included 32 of the leading heads of American companies who met with the Crown Prince at the Yamama Palace to work to expand economic and commercial cooperation.
Great projects
He pointed out that Saudi Arabia is preparing for major projects such as the “Expo” conference and the 2034 World Cup, which makes it a pivotal center for regional and international investment in the coming years.
He also pointed out that the Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman had visited Washington before Trump’s visit to Riyadh, and a prelude to these agreements, which reflects the importance of the defensive incision in the strategic document, especially with the expansion of American armament and training of the Saudi forces.
Ibn Salman and Trump held talks at Al -Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today, with Trump’s arrival in the Saudi capital, at the beginning of a 4 -day regional tour.
The Saudi crown prince received the American President at the Yamama Palace, where Trump met about 40 Saudi leaders in the fields of economics, politics and security.
The Saudi Crown Prince also received the official delegation accompanying Trump and heads of major American companies, including billionaire Elon Musk.
