AhlulBayt News Agency: US President Donald Trump has signed a massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth $142 billion during his visit to the Persian Gulf state. The agreement marks the largest defense cooperation deal in history between the two nations.
In a statement on Tuesday, the White House announced that the arms package includes contracts with more than a dozen American defense companies. These agreements cover sectors such as air and missile defense, reflecting a deepening of economic and military ties between the US and Saudi Arabia.
The White House described the deals as “historic and transformative” for both countries, stating that they represent a “new golden era of partnership.”
Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the agreements at a formal ceremony held in Riyadh’s Royal Court. The event took place in a gilded ballroom, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
The documents included letters of intent focusing on military cooperation. These agreements aim to modernize and develop the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces through future defense advancements. They also enhance cooperation on ammunition training, support services, maintenance system upgrades, spare parts, and education for land and air systems of the National Guard.
Additionally, the agreements include provisions for the development of health capabilities within the Saudi armed forces.
Several other agreements were signed at the ceremony, covering cooperation between the nations’ customs authorities, medical research related to infectious diseases, judicial collaboration, and a partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Saudi Arabia is the first stop on Trump’s first major overseas trip in his second term as US president. Reports indicate that Trump hopes to sign agreements worth more than $1 trillion during his visit.
The deals include investments in artificial intelligence companies and energy production, as well as arms purchases from American weapons manufacturers, according to the reports.
Earlier reports said the US is no longer demanding Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel as a condition for progress on nuclear cooperation talks with the kingdom.
In 2017, Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first foreign destination, where he secured $450 billion of investments in the US.
The tour will also take Trump to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
In Qatar, Trump is expected to receive a luxury $400 million Boeing 747 to be used as America's Air Force One presidential plane./
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