Washington: US President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a non-NATO strategic ally, marking a significant development in the relationship between Washington and Riyadh. This announcement coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit to the White House. According to Kuwait News Agency, President Trump expressed his satisfaction in announcing the elevation of military cooperation by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. This designation is considered crucial for Saudi Arabia and was announced during a dinner banquet held in honor of Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who also serves as the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. President Trump emphasized the importance of the strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, highlighting that both nations would enhance military coordination. During the visit, Trump and Prince Mohammad bin Salman finalized several agreements aimed at boosting economic and defense partnerships between the two countries. The White House confirme d that President Trump approved a significant defense sale package to Saudi Arabia, which includes future deliveries of F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 American tanks. In addition to defense agreements, both countries signed a Critical Minerals Framework to deepen collaboration and align national strategies for diversifying critical mineral supply chains. The US and Saudi Arabia also reached an agreement on a Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation. This agreement lays the legal foundation for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar nuclear energy partnership with the Kingdom. Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit to the United States follows President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia last May, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
