UPDATE: President Donald Trump is set to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (known as MBS) to the White House today, October 3, 2023, with an elaborate ceremony aimed at reinforcing U.S.-Saudi ties amidst ongoing discussions for major business and national security agreements.
The visit, occurring at a pivotal time for both nations, includes a grand arrival ceremony featuring military flyovers, cannon salutes, and flags representing both countries. A black-tie dinner will follow, with over 120 guests, including 30 members of the Saudi delegation. This event marks Trump’s first formal dinner honoring a foreign leader in his second term.
“We’re not just meeting; we’re honoring Saudi Arabia,” Trump stated, emphasizing the significance of this high-profile visit. Reports confirm that Trump will announce significant investments in U.S. infrastructure related to artificial intelligence and defense during the summit.
Key topics on the agenda include the fulfillment of Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investment pledge made during Trump’s previous visit to the kingdom, as well as enhanced cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
The White House has positioned this visit as an “official working visit,” according to Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, indicating that Americans can expect “good deals spanning technology, manufacturing, and defense.” This comes as Trump prepares to attend a Saudi business summit at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington tomorrow.
The trip is MBS’s first visit to the U.S. since the controversial killing of journalist and human rights activist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The event raises significant concerns among human rights advocates, who question the implications of such a warm reception for the crown prince, who has been tied to Khashoggi’s death.
“We know President Trump won’t ask MBS to reveal where Jamal’s remains are so his family can finally bury him,” said Raed Jarrar, advocacy director at Democracy for the Arab World Now.
Despite the backdrop of Khashoggi’s murder, Trump views MBS as a crucial ally in the Middle East. The President has previously stated his belief in the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel through the Abraham Accords, which are expected to be a topic of discussion during this visit.
Trump’s close ties with the Saudis, cultivated through longstanding business interests—including plans for a Trump Tower in Jeddah—add another layer to the dynamics of this meeting. In a recent interview, Trump remarked, “I hope that Saudi Arabia will be going into the Abraham Accords fairly shortly,” citing increased interest in regional stability.
As the world watches, this visit encapsulates the complex interplay of diplomacy, business interests, and human rights issues, signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia. Observers are keen to see how Trump will navigate the sensitive topics surrounding Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s human rights record amidst a backdrop of significant economic discussions.
What happens next in these high-stakes talks will be critical for both nations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
