Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Trump, signs defence and nuclear deals amid Khashoggi fallout and Israel normalisation push.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with a lavish welcome on Tuesday.
This marks the prince’s first visit to the United States since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump plans a red-carpet reception featuring a fly-by, cannon fire, and a gala dinner for the de facto Saudi ruler.
The president confirmed he will sell coveted F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia despite Israeli concerns.
A source familiar with negotiations said a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation will also be signed.
Trump will push Prince Mohammed to normalise relations with Israel as part of a wider Middle East peace effort.
“We’re more than meeting,” Trump told reporters. “We’re honoring Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince.”
The visit represents a fresh start after Khashoggi’s killing by Saudi agents caused global outrage and chilled US relations.
US intelligence suggested Prince Mohammed approved the Istanbul consulate operation, which Saudi authorities deny.
The 40-year-old prince has maintained close ties with Trump and his family over the years.
Their relationship was strengthened by a lavish welcome and $600 billion in investment pledges during Trump’s 2017 Saudi visit.
Prince Mohammed seeks firmer US security guarantees after recent Israeli strikes rattled the Gulf region.
Alongside F-35 jets, Riyadh wants to purchase advanced air and missile defence systems.
Experts said Saudi Arabia will also push for access to high-tech chips to fuel its AI ambitions.
The kingdom is unlikely to agree to Israeli normalisation despite Trump’s hopes for Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords.
“We have a lot of people joining the Abraham Accords and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon,” Trump said earlier.
Potential Saudi moves toward normalisation were put on hold after Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Riyadh appears unwilling to budge without progress on its international push for a Palestinian state.
Trump will nevertheless underscore his close personal relationship with Prince Mohammed.
The president is expected to attend a US-Saudi investment forum focusing on energy and artificial intelligence on Wednesday.
Trump’s family maintains extensive business ties with Saudi interests.
Saudi developer Dar Global announced a new partnership with the Trump Organization for a Maldives luxury hotel just before the visit.
Investors can participate in the hotel’s financing through digital tokens. – AFP
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