MBS to Trump: Saudi Arabia to invest $600bn in US

Jan. 23, 2025; RIYADH: Saudi Arabia intends to broaden its trade and investment in the United States to at least $600 billion over the next four years, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US President Donald Trump about the Kingdom’s plan during a phone conversation late Wednesday, the report said.
With Trump’s vow to carry out wide-ranging reforms in the world’s largest economy, the Kingdom seeks to participate in opportunities for partnership and investment, SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.
The report did not indicate any details of the planned investments.
The two leaders also discussed ways for cooperation between their countries to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
Trump assumed office on Monday and said he would restore American prestige and rebuild its economic power.
Trump made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term, and the countries signed several investment agreements worth about $400 billion.
The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia to create jobs in America and Saudi Arabia, good trade, good benefits for both countries and good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.
Trump campaigned for his America First policy, which seeks to prioritize the US economy and American citizens.
On Monday, he signed an executive order to establish “a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, and defends our economic and national security.”
Prince Mohammed conveyed his and King Salman’s congratulations to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office and the Saudi leaders wished the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump thanked the king and crown prince for their congratulations, stressing his keenness to work with them on everything that would serve the common interests of both nations.
Trump was well-received in the Kingdom in 2017 and attended many events in Riyadh with the king and crown prince. King Salman presented the US president with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s top civilian honour.
The king hosted a state dinner for Trump, and both of them took part in a traditional war dance before the banquet.
The pair also opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, part of a broad initiative to tackle the root causes of extremism and stop terror financing.