Donald Trump has welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has stressed the strengthening ties between Washington and Riyadh.
On Tuesday, the White House opened the ode to Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS. Trump received him with a ceremony that included a military flyover, flag-carrying horsemen, and marching bands.
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Trump’s embrace of what he sees as a new Middle East, which is being driven by US partnerships with allies in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, was signaled by the lavish display of hospitality.
Prince Mohammed and Trump posed questions to reporters in the Oval Office after passing through the South Portico. The two leaders discussed technology, business opportunities, and peace.
During their Oval Office appearance, it appeared as though the issues facing the region, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, took center stage. What can we learn most from the meeting?
“Good talks” about ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel
Trump has stated on numerous occasions that he wants Saudi Arabia to sign on to the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic ties between Israel and a number of Arab nations.
Prince Mohammed and Trump made no secret of the progress being made on the issue on Tuesday, nor did they give an estimated timeline for a potential agreement. However, the crown prince did make it clear that Riyadh wants to facilitate the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a potential agreement.
We want to be a part of the Abraham Accords, Prince Mohammed told reporters, and we think having a positive relationship with all Middle Eastern nations is beneficial.
“But we also want to make sure that we have a clear path [to a] two-state solution.” And as a result of today’s productive discussion with Mr. President, we have to work on that to ensure that we can get that right as soon as possible.
Saudi officials have previously emphasized Riyadh’s commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, which conditions Israel’s recognition upon the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Trump claimed to have ‘good conversations’ with Prince Mohammed regarding the matter.
One state and two states were discussed. There were many topics discussed. We’ll be talking about it further in less time, the US president said.
Trump suggests a close relationship with a defense pact.
Trump responded, “We pretty much have a deal,” when asked whether the US and Saudi Arabia had any issues. There is consensus on that.
Although the details of the negotiations are unknown, Riyadh has been pursuing an equivalent of NATO’s Article Five pact for mutual defense, which would allow the US to assist the country if it were attacked.
Trump had made it clear on Monday that he would permit Saudi Arabia’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
He claimed that the jets would not be downgraded to ensure Israel’s military might in the region, a diversion from US policy known as “qualitative military edge.”
“They want you to receive planes of a lower calibre.” He addressed the Saudi crown prince, “I don’t think that makes you happy too much.”
They’ve been a fantastic ally, they claim. We are currently looking at that because Israel has been a fantastic ally. However, in my opinion, both are at the top of their game.
Trump claims Iran wants a deal.
Trump once more hailed US strikes in June against Iran’s nuclear facilities as a triumph.
He said, “We did that on behalf of everyone, and the result was extraordinary because we have the best equipment, the best planes, the best everything,” he said.
Tehran is reportedly seeking a diplomatic solution with Washington, which has demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear program, according to the US president, who later adopted a softer stance toward Iran.
Trump stated, “We’re talking to them, and I’m completely open to it.”
“And we begin a process,” However, reaching a deal with Iran would be nice. And before the war, we could have accomplished it, but it was in vain. And there will be a problem, I believe.
Before his trip to Washington, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had written to him in a handwritten letter, according to Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, SPA. Its content was not disclosed in any detail.
Saudi Arabia reportedly indicated on Tuesday that it would support a US-Iran agreement.
He told reporters, “We will do our best to assist in negotiating a deal with Iran.”
And we think a good deal would satisfy the region, the world, and the United States of America for Iran’s future.
investments worth $1 trillion?
Trump praised the Saudi-led leaders’ initial public remarks, which he claimed would be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
Because you have consented to invest $600 billion in the United States, I want to thank you. And because he’s my friend, I’ll have to work with him, Trump said.
He added that US businesses and Wall Street investment firms will gain from the Saudi funds.
According to MBS, Saudi investments in the US are likely to reach $1 trillion.
The agreement, which we are signing today, will open up many investment opportunities, including in technology and AI, rare materials, magnets, etc.
The crown prince agreed with Trump’s claim that the US is now the “hottest country” in the world, and added that the kingdom wants to be a part of the country’s “foundation of emerging technologies” in the US.
smiles and praise
From the moment the crown prince arrived at the White House, Trump and MBS were all gleeful about their flattering remarks.
Trump once criticized former US President Joe Biden for giving MBS only a fist bump when he visited Riyadh during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 while reaching for and holding Prince Mohammed’s hand.
That hand grabbed my hand. Trump said, “I don’t give a hell where that hand has been.”
The Saudi crown prince was described as “fantastic” and “brilliant,” according to the US president.
Trump said, “We have a very good friend of mine who has been a very respectable man in the Oval Office today.”
“I’m very proud of the work he’s done,” he said. In terms of human rights and everything else, what he has accomplished is incredible.
The US president then blasted an ABC News reporter who accused her of disrespecting Prince Mohammed in a challenging interview.
When the journalist later questioned Trump about releasing government documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, Trump argued that ABC News’ broadcasting license should be revoked.
In response to the earlier question to MBS, Trump said, “You start with a man who is highly respected, asking him a horrible, insubordinate, and just awful question.”
“And you could even nicely posing the same query. You are all over the moon. Someone at ABC made you feel good. You’ll be upset about it. You’re a terrible reporter and person.
Source: Aljazeera
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