Trump Names Saudi Arabia Washington’s Key Non-NATO Ally
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and the New York Post, U.S.President Donald Trump announced during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the United States will officially designate Saudi Arabia as a “Major Non-NATO Ally.”
Trump highlighted this decision, stating, “We are elevating our military cooperation to a higher level and formally recognizing Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally; this is very important for them.”
The New York Post reported that, according to the U.S. State Department declaration, Saudi Arabia will become the twentieth country to recieve this status. This designation grants broader access to military, economic, and research collaboration opportunities, including participation in joint defence equipment and ammunition production projects. Additionally, the U.S.can store its military equipment outside American bases on Saudi soil. This move follows the signing of a “historic strategic defense agreement” between both parties.
The White House stated that the new defense agreement strengthens America’s role as a security guarantor in the region and lays groundwork for expanded defense partnerships. The report also notes that Trump finalized a deal to sell nearly 300 American tanks to Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. president described his relationship with the Saudi crown prince as “very pleasant.”
