Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and President Donald Trump highlight multifaceted partnerships during investment forum in Riyadh.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and U.S. President
Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security, peace, and stability in the region during a joint appearance at the Saudi-American Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The summit marked an important occasion for both nations, extending their collaboration beyond economic fronts to include security and diplomatic initiatives.
In his keynote address, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman emphasized the longstanding economic ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States, dating back over 90 years and encompassing sectors such as energy, knowledge, and innovation.
He identified Saudi Arabia as the largest economic partner of the U.S. in the region, highlighting the significance of joint investments as a fundamental component of bilateral relations.
The Crown Prince noted that the partnership opportunities between the two countries are valued at approximately $600 billion, with announced agreements during the forum totaling around $300 billion.
He revealed that nearly 40% of the global investments from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund are directed toward the United States, and that approximately 1,300 American companies operate within Saudi territory.
The Crown Prince also remarked that the 'Vision 2030' initiative aims to create unprecedented economic transformation, focusing on diversifying the economy and empowering the private sector, while reiterating the broader objective of enhancing security, stability, and peace in the region and globally.
President Trump, speaking alongside the Crown Prince, suggested that a 'wonderful dawn' awaits the Middle East if regional leaders capitalize on current opportunities, putting aside conflicts to focus on common interests.
He reiterated that Saudi Arabia represents the 'heart of the world' and praised the U.S. economy while drawing parallels with the Saudi economy.
During his remarks, Trump expressed his willingness to utilize military force to defend Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the country's role in negotiations aimed at halting the war in Ukraine.
He highlighted the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman as a vital asset for strengthening alliances in the region.
Trump acknowledged the plight of the people in Gaza and reiterated U.S. efforts to achieve peace in the area, while assessing Ukraine's war implications and urging caution against becoming embroiled in further conflicts.
On the situation in Lebanon, he criticized Iranian policies and expressed intentions to support Lebanon in building a stable future with its neighbors.
Addressing Iran directly, Trump warned against their rejection of diplomatic overtures and affirmed his administration's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Regarding Yemen, Trump criticized the previous Biden administration's decision to remove the Houthis from the U.S. terrorism list, stating that U.S. military operations had resulted in over 1,100 strikes against the group, asserting their inability to target American vessels in the Red Sea.
Towards the end of his speech, Trump reflected on his past visits to Saudi Arabia, commending the hospitality of King Salman and expressing admiration for Mohammad bin Salman's leadership in fostering a New Middle East.
He also lauded the transformation in the Saudi economy, noting that many non-oil sectors have shown significant development over the past eight years.
The investment forum also featured a tour led by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and President Trump, where they observed models of Saudi stadiums set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, among other significant development projects presented by Saudi leadership and corporate executives.
This gathering showcased the progress made in U.S.-Saudi relations over decades and highlighted the ambitions set forth in their partnership.