U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the United States, strengthening Washington’s military and strategic partnership with Riyadh.
The announcement came on Tuesday (18 November) during a state dinner at the White House held in honor of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Trump said, “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we are formally designating Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, taking our military cooperation to an even higher level. This designation is extremely important for them.”
The United States has granted this status to only 19 countries so far.
He added that the announcement was being shared publicly for the first time at the request of the Saudi leadership, who preferred to keep it confidential until the dinner event.
Role in Gaza Peace Council
Beyond the new designation, Trump stated that he wants Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to serve on the proposed council aimed at establishing peace in Gaza.
“I hope the Crown Prince will be on that council,” Trump said. “I hope you will take that responsibility.”
Trump has previously announced that he intends to chair the council himself.
High-Level Bilateral Discussions
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is currently in the United States to meet President Trump. At the White House meeting, the two leaders discussed:
- a major defense and weapons deal,
- civil nuclear cooperation,
- collaboration in artificial intelligence, and
- expanding Saudi investments in the United States.
The Crown Prince said Saudi investments in the U.S. will increase from $600 billion to $1 trillion. Discussions also included the potential sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Source: Al Jazeera
