Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, has promised a massive investment in the US—at least $600 billion. This came after President Donald Trump jokingly suggested he would fast-track a visit to the kingdom if they put up a huge amount of cash.
The bold pledge was made during Trump’s first Oval Office phone call with a foreign leader on Wednesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. MBS revealed that the investment could go even higher than the $600 billion mark.
Trump’s lighthearted $500 billion offer
The conversation between Trump and MBS comes on the heels of a remark Trump made just days before. At a press conference on Monday, the President quipped about his next foreign trip. Typically, the first trip of a president’s term is to the UK. But last time, Trump broke tradition and visited Saudi Arabia after the kingdom promised a $450 billion deal for American products.
This time, Trump joked, “If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 billion, we’ll up it for all the inflation, I think I’d probably go.” It seems the kingdom took him seriously.
A long-standing relationship
Trump’s ties to Saudi Arabia go way back. He has had a close relationship with MBS since his first term, even speaking to the crown prince when he assumed power in 2017. They committed to working together on economic and security matters.
Trump was notably criticized for his support of MBS following the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Despite international outrage, Trump stood by the crown prince.
Now, the two leaders are again focused on strengthening their relationship.
A focus on stability and prosperity
In their Wednesday phone call, Trump and MBS discussed how to bring stability to the Middle East, enhance regional security, and fight terrorism. They also touched on the growing international economic ambitions of Saudi Arabia over the next four years.
The White House readout of the call emphasized trade and economic opportunities to boost prosperity for both countries. The Saudi Press Agency echoed the sentiments, stating that the two leaders were keen on fostering peace, security, and stability in the region.
Renewed US-Saudi relations
The phone call marks a new chapter in US-Saudi relations. Under former President Joe Biden, tensions grew between the two nations. Biden had referred to MBS as a “pariah” after the Khashoggi murder and criticized Saudi Arabia for refusing to increase oil production amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Now, with MBS in charge, the relationship seems to be on the mend. The crown prince also held talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling a broader effort to renormalize ties.
A growing partnership
The renewed US-Saudi partnership could have far-reaching effects. With MBS’s pledge of a $600 billion investment, it’s clear that the kingdom has major plans for its economic future. This promise also highlights the importance of the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, both economically and strategically.
As both nations focus on combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the Middle East, their cooperation could have lasting implications for the region and beyond.
