US declares Saudi Arabia an important non-NATO ally
The US considers Saudi Arabia one of its important military allies, outside of NATO.
According to RIA Novosti on November 19, US President Donald Trump declared Saudi Arabia a major ally of the US, outside of NATO, thereby raising the level of military cooperation.
"I am pleased to announce that we are raising the level of military cooperation by designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally," President Donald Trump said at a dinner in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18 (Washington time).
In his first visit to the White House in more than seven years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was welcomed with all the trappings of a state visit, the highest form of US diplomatic reception.
In the Oval Office, President Donald Trump heaped praise on Crown Prince bin Salman, including what he called his "incredible" record on human rights, according to CNN. The US president touted new agreements for Saudi investment in the US and confirmed plans to sell US-made jets, even as Crown Prince bin Salman has not yet committed to some of President Trump's priorities.
President Trump has actively sought to cultivate ties with Saudi Arabia during his second term, visiting Riyadh in May to discuss new investments and security agreements. CNN said the White House boss's interest in the kingdom has drawn attention to his family's financial interests in the country, although he dismissed those concerns at the meeting. "I have nothing to do with the family business. I left," President Trump said.
President Trump's hope is that Saudi Arabia will eventually join the Abraham Accords – his signature diplomatic achievement – by normalizing relations with Israel.
