Trump and MBS highlight investment, defence and regional diplomacy in high profile White House meeting

President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday in a meeting that underscored the strengthening relationship between Washington and Riyadh. The visit featured an elaborate welcome ceremony with marching bands, mounted flag bearers and a military flyover, reflecting the importance the administration placed on the occasion.

The crown prince, widely known as MBS, was greeted at the South Portico before accompanying the president into the Oval Office. Both leaders addressed journalists and highlighted a shared agenda focused on investment, technology, defence cooperation and attempts to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Trump praised the economic ambitions of Saudi Arabia and described the country as a key partner in the region. He emphasised the scale of ongoing Saudi investment in the United States and said the two governments were aligned on a vision that combines economic modernisation with strategic cooperation. The president also spoke of opportunities in artificial intelligence and advanced technology, noting that American companies were eager to expand their work in the Saudi market.

The talks also covered regional diplomacy. Trump reaffirmed his desire to see Saudi Arabia join the group of Arab states that have established relations with Israel through agreements known as the Abraham Accords. Although neither leader offered a specific timetable, both signalled that discussions were active. Prince Mohammed reiterated that the establishment of a Palestinian state remained a central element of any future agreement. His comments suggested that Riyadh continues to balance closer ties with Washington and Israel while maintaining long-standing commitments to the Palestinian cause.

Defence cooperation formed another significant part of the meeting. Trump confirmed that his administration was prepared to approve the sale of advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia, including the F 35 fighter jet. The announcement strengthened an already extensive defence partnership between the countries. Saudi Arabia views access to the aircraft as an important step in modernising its military capabilities, while the United States has framed the deal as part of a broader strategy to counter regional threats and maintain stability.

Economic investment also featured prominently in the discussions. Prince Mohammed has spent recent years promoting Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and attracting global capital. Trump endorsed the plan and encouraged further Saudi investment in American infrastructure and industry. Both leaders spoke positively about growing commercial ties and highlighted the potential for major joint ventures.

The ceremonial welcome, combined with the range of announcements that followed the meeting, indicated a renewed focus on US Saudi relations early in Trump’s second term. The administration has presented its approach to the Middle East as one centred on financial partnerships, energy cooperation and strategic defence agreements.

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of deepening ties, particularly regarding human rights and regional conflicts. However, the White House emphasised the importance of maintaining strong alliances in a period marked by shifting power dynamics and competition from global rivals.

The crown prince’s visit is expected to be followed by further meetings between senior officials in both governments. These engagements are likely to involve detailed negotiations on defence contracts, technology partnerships and regional security arrangements. Washington and Riyadh also plan to advance discussions on energy cooperation and investment in emerging industries.

The meeting concluded with both leaders signalling optimism about the future of the partnership. Trump described the talks as productive and said the United States and Saudi Arabia were entering a period of unprecedented cooperation. Prince Mohammed echoed this sentiment and expressed confidence in the prospects of the relationship.