Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 19: In Washington on November 19, US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House for a high-profile meeting that produced a series of major agreements spanning nuclear energy, defence, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

The White House announced that both sides finalized accords on civil nuclear collaboration, a framework for critical minerals, and a new Memorandum of Understanding focused on AI development.

A landmark US–Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement was also signed, accompanied by Trump’s approval of the sale of F-35 fighter jets and advanced tanks to the kingdom.

Marking the crown prince’s first White House visit in seven years, the occasion featured full ceremonial pageantry—complete with a military honour guard and a US aircraft flyover.

Trump praised Prince Mohammed as “an extremely respected” leader and emphasised their long-standing personal rapport.

The crown prince used the moment to outline ambitious economic goals, revealing plans to expand Saudi investment in the United States from an estimated USD 600 billion to nearly USD 1 trillion. He described this as a strategic move supporting America’s economic future, driven by the kingdom’s rising need for computing power and advanced semiconductor technologies.

“We believe in the future of America,” he said, calling the investment opportunities both tangible and commercially sound. Trump responded by expressing strong appreciation for Saudi confidence in the US.

When asked about the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump repeated his position that Prince Mohammed was not involved. The crown prince called the killing a “painful” event and a “huge mistake,” stressing that Saudi Arabia has implemented stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.

Turning to regional diplomacy, Prince Mohammed reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords and establishing formal relations with Israel. However, he underscored that progress depends on securing what Saudi Arabia views as a credible pathway toward a two-state solution.

On Wednesday, Trump and the crown prince are set to participate in a US–Saudi investment forum in Washington, aimed at further deepening economic ties.