In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has been designated as a major non-NATO ally. The announcement came during a gala dinner at the White House, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was hosted with grandeur, marking his first visit in over seven years. The event featured a military honor guard, a cannon salute, and a flyover by U.S. warplanes, underscoring the importance of the occasion. Trump emphasized that this designation would elevate military cooperation between the two nations to unprecedented levels. Saudi Arabia is now among the exclusive group of 19 countries to receive this status. The visit also saw discussions on advancing security ties, civil nuclear cooperation, and multibillion-dollar business deals. Notably, Trump revealed that Saudi Arabia has committed to investing $600 billion in the U.S., with plans to increase this to $1 trillion. Additionally, the two leaders reached a defense agreement, and Saudi Arabia is set to purchase advanced U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets. This development marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Watch: Trump designates Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally during Crown Prince visit
