US, Saudi Arabia ink defense, AI, nuclear pacts during MBS’s visit to Washington

WASHINGTON, Nov.19 (YPA) – The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of landmark agreements across defense, energy, technology, and supply chains during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official visit to Washington, the White House announced on Tuesday.

“The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation, which builds the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar nuclear energy partnership with the Kingdom; confirms that the United States and American companies will be the Kingdom’s civil nuclear cooperation partners of choice,” the White House said in its statement.

President Donald Trump approved a new arms deal that includes F-35 fighter jets, and declared that the US has designated Saudi Arabia as a “Major Non-NATO Ally.” That rare status is held by only 19 countries globally, according to media reports.

Trump said, “We aim to elevate our military cooperation to an unprecedented level through this designation, which represents an important step in our partnership with the Kingdom.”

He aims to leverage a $600 billion Saudi investment pledge made during his visit to the kingdom in May.

On his part, the Crown Prince is seeking security guarantees, access to advanced artificial intelligence technologies, and progress toward a civilian nuclear program.

@E.Y.M