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The visit of US President Donald Trump to ������Ƶ on May 13-14, 2025, was a timely reminder of the enduring strength and strategic depth of the Saudi-American relationship. The political significance of the visit, along with its underlying messages, reaffirmed a dynamic that continues to shape bilateral ties: the importance of personal leadership, including trust between the leaders, underpinned by a continued convergence on regional security, defense cooperation, and economic integration.

At the heart of this relationship lies the close and strategic bond between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump. This personal relationship has functioned as a valuable political asset, grounded in mutual recognition of each other’s leadership style, strategic clarity, and willingness to make decisive moves.

The crown prince’s reception of the president reflected the continued strength of this high-level channel of engagement. In a region where personal diplomacy often complements formal processes, such relationships are instrumental in fostering progress in the diplomatic agenda.

What makes this dynamic particularly impactful is that it goes beyond gestures and protocol. It creates an environment of trust that reinforces broader institutional cooperation. Trump’s visit — and his public commendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — signaled that the dialogue between Riyadh and Washington remains robust, trusted, and strategically consequential.

Beyond personal diplomacy, the visit also spotlighted important developments at the state-to-state level. Talks reportedly covered the expansion of economic ties, defense procurement, and regional policy coordination.

Of particular significance was ������Ƶ’s announcement of a $600 billion investment commitment to the US, with initial agreements spanning sectors such as energy, defense, technology, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals. This reaffirms the Kingdom’s centrality as a major economic partner and global investor with increasing influence in shaping international value chains.

Defense cooperation continues to serve as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and strategic partnerships. The US agreed to sell ������Ƶ an arms package valued at nearly $142 billion, described as “the largest defense cooperation agreement” ever concluded by Washington. This deal underscores both countries’ shared commitments to regional stability and further solidifies ������Ƶ’s role as a central pillar of Middle Eastern security.

In the realm of regional diplomacy, the visit highlighted a growing alignment of perspectives, particularly on the challenges posed by Iran and broader regional hot spots such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.

While tactical differences persist, the overarching strategic outlook between both parties appears increasingly aligned. Notably, Trump reiterated his support for ������Ƶ’s potential normalization with Israel, calling it his “dream” for the Kingdom to join the Abraham Accords.

However, he respectfully emphasized that such a step would be taken “in your own time,” a nuanced position in contrast to earlier pressure-driven approaches. This tone was well received in Riyadh, where decisions of such magnitude are made with discretion and shaped by national interest, religious considerations, and concern for regional stability.

Although President Trump’s visit to the Kingdom was primarily bilateral in focus, it inevitably touches upon the broader Gulf Cooperation Council framework.

Abdulaziz Sager

One topic notably absent from the agenda was the Saudi-US civil nuclear cooperation file. The Kingdom has long expressed its ambition to establish a peaceful nuclear program as part of Vision 2030, but the issue remains in abeyance — deliberately so.

Riyadh has made it clear that any forward movement must be predicated on strategic parity in the region. If Iran is permitted enrichment rights under a future agreement with Washington, ������Ƶ and its regional partners will rightfully expect reciprocal terms.

For now, the nuclear file remains on hold — pending the outcome of US-Iran nuclear negotiations — highlighting the Kingdom’s prudent approach to preserving regional balance, its sovereign rights, and its long-term strategic interests.

Although Trump’s visit to the Kingdom was primarily bilateral in focus, it inevitably touches upon the broader Gulf Cooperation Council framework. Under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, ������Ƶ has worked to elevate the GCC’s collective role as a proactive and influential regional bloc.

Many of the topics discussed — particularly those concerning Iran, regional issues, defense coordination, and economic diversification — have broader implications for Gulf security and integration.

In this context, the GCC-US strategic partnership continues to evolve, and ������Ƶ remains central to its direction. As demonstrated during the recent GCC-US Summit held in Riyadh on the second day of the president’s visit, bilateral ties with the US naturally feed into and reinforce the broader Gulf-American relationship.

Whether on energy policy, regional conflict management, or global trade, a united Gulf voice ensures that the region is shaping global developments rather than simply responding to them.

Trump’s visit was far more than a symbolic engagement or an exercise in nostalgia. It was a reaffirmation that personal trust, strategic alignment, and mutual interests remain the foundational pillars of the Saudi-US partnership.

As global power dynamics shift and new challenges emerge, the Saudi-US relationship — rooted in mutual respect, shared strategic objectives, and sovereign decision-making — remains essential. The president’s visit reaffirmed that this partnership is not only enduring but also central to the future of regional and global stability.

• Dr. Abdulaziz Sager is chairman of the Gulf Research Center.