President Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally

US President Donald Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant expansion in bilateral strategic cooperation.

President Trump hosted a dinner at the White House in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. High-profile guests, including Elon Musk and Cristiano Ronaldo, also attended the event.

The US President approved a major defence package under which Saudi Arabia will purchase F-35 fighter jets and 300 tanks from the United States.

Welcoming the Crown Prince, President Trump said Saudi Arabia and the United States share a long-standing and historic partnership, which both sides are committed to further strengthening. He said the two countries had signed a strategic defence agreement during the visit.

President Trump added that the Middle East was closer than ever to achieving lasting peace, claiming that Gaza was now “far safer than before.” He said several heads of state would be part of the upcoming “Gaza Board of Peace.”

He also stated that Hamas had handed over additional bodies of hostages to Israeli families.

Following Trump’s remarks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanked the US President for the warm hospitality and said Riyadh greatly values its relationship with Washington.

The Crown Prince is currently on an official visit to the United States, during which he held talks with President Trump at the White House.

A statement issued later by the White House said that Washington and Riyadh had reached an agreement on a civil nuclear cooperation framework.

According to the statement, President Trump has approved a major arms package for Saudi Arabia, which includes the supply of advanced F-35 fighter aircraft, while the Kingdom will also acquire nearly 300 tanks from the US.