Trump Boosts Ties with Saudi Arabia, Elevating Kingdom to Major Non-NATO Ally
Image Source: Internet
In a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, US President Donald Trump has announced plans to formally designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. The decision comes after a day of high-level talks between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. The designation, which provides priority access to US military equipment and financing, marks a significant upgrade in the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. This move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the geopolitical balance in the Middle East. Trump praised MBS, as the Saudi leader is known, as a "very good friend of mine" during a lavish welcome ceremony at the Oval Office. He also appeared to absolve MBS of responsibility for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The two leaders agreed on a defense cooperation pact, which includes the future sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The US also agreed to formalize negotiations on a civil-nuclear program with the kingdom. This visit marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Trump and MBS, who have developed a warm rapport since early in Trump's first term. However, several issues remain unresolved, including the normalization of Saudi Arabia's relations with Israel. The US and Saudi Arabia have also reached an agreement on artificial intelligence, which includes the green-lighting of deliveries of advanced chips to a Saudi Arabian firm. This deal is seen as a significant win for the kingdom, which has been seeking access to this technology for some time. Trump's decision to elevate Saudi Arabia's status to major non-NATO ally is seen as a major boost to the kingdom's standing in the region. However, critics have raised concerns about the implications of this move, particularly in light of the kingdom's human rights record and its role in regional conflicts. The White House visit is part of a larger effort by Trump to strengthen ties with Gulf nations, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The president has been working to build a coalition of like-minded nations to counter Iranian influence in the region. The move is also seen as a significant departure from the previous administration's stance on Saudi Arabia. Under President Joe Biden, the kingdom was shunned by many Western allies over the Khashoggi murder. As the Middle East continues to grapple with conflict and instability, the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia is likely to play a critical role in shaping the region's future.
