Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Heads to the U.S. for Key Meetings
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has officially begun his journey to the United States, according to the state news agency. This visit is significant as it’s the first time the prince is visiting Washington since the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which created tension between Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
During this trip, the Crown Prince is expected to meet with President Donald Trump. They will discuss ways to strengthen their two countries’ relationship and address various topics of mutual concern, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Over the years, Prince Mohammed has built a strong bond with Trump and his family. Their relationship was notably highlighted during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, where the U.S. leader received a grand welcome and secured investment commitments totaling $600 billion.
As the prince prepares for his visit, Trump has expressed his hopes of encouraging Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, a move aimed at establishing closer ties with Israel. However, experts believe that Saudi Arabia may not be ready for such steps right now. Prince Mohammed is prioritizing stronger security guarantees from the U.S., especially after recent Israeli actions raised concerns in the Gulf region.
The Crown Prince is scheduled to meet with Trump on Tuesday. In addition, a U.S.-Saudi investment forum focusing on energy and artificial intelligence will take place during his three-day visit to the U.S.
