Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has pledged to expand Saudi Arabia’s investments and trade with the United States by $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for even greater commitments if new opportunities emerge.
This announcement was made during a congratulatory phone call with former President Donald Trump, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
During the conversation, the crown prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s strong interest in capitalizing on partnership and investment prospects anticipated under the new U.S. administration’s proposed reforms. These reforms are expected to drive significant economic growth, though specific details were not disclosed in the SPA report.
The two leaders, known for maintaining a close relationship since Trump’s first term, also discussed enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and to strengthen joint counterterrorism efforts. The White House has not issued an immediate response regarding the call.
This dialogue occurred amid notable geopolitical shifts in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, Iran, has faced setbacks with its proxy groups Hamas and Hezbollah experiencing defeats in conflicts with Israel. Additionally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally in the region, has been overthrown and exiled. A recently implemented ceasefire in Gaza has temporarily paused hostilities between Israel and Hamas, further shaping the regional landscape.
The crown prince’s substantial investment pledge could potentially pave the way for another visit from Trump to Saudi Arabia. Trump’s first international trip as president in 2017 was to Saudi Arabia, a visit secured following the kingdom’s agreement to significant investments in U.S. goods, including military equipment.
Trump has indicated his willingness to return to Saudi Arabia if the kingdom commits to additional large-scale purchases of American products. The new $600 billion commitment far surpasses previous deals, setting a new benchmark for U.S.-Saudi economic relations.
