Defensive and Nuclear Agreement Between Riyadh and Washington Includes F-35 Deal

SadaNews - The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic defense agreement on Tuesday, alongside agreements in the fields of civil nuclear energy, during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, according to a statement issued by the White House.

The U.S. administration announced that the two countries approved a "joint declaration" regarding civil nuclear energy that "establishes the legal basis for cooperation valued at billions of dollars over decades."

The White House clarified that this "will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Non-Proliferation Treaty." It added that U.S. President Donald Trump "has approved an arms sale agreement that includes F-35 fighter jets."

The U.S. president stated that he decided to classify Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally during a dinner hosting bin Salman, noting that this classification has only been granted to 19 other countries.

Trump said, "Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we will elevate our military cooperation to higher levels by officially designating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is very important to them."

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the Crown Prince signed the strategic defense agreement with Trump at the White House, indicating that the agreement comes within the framework of "the strategic partnership and the established historical ties" between the two countries, and is a "pivotal step that enhances the long-term defense partnership" and represents "the commitment of both sides to support peace, security, and prosperity in the region."

The agency added that the agreement confirms that Riyadh and Washington are "security partners capable of joint action to face regional and international challenges and threats," indicating that it deepens defense coordination and raises the level of readiness, along with developing and integrating defense capabilities between the two sides. SPA stated that the agreement "establishes a solid framework for a sustainable and ongoing defense partnership that contributes to enhancing the security and stability of both countries."

As announced by the White House, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a new memorandum of understanding in the field of artificial intelligence, alongside completing the agreements related to cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

The U.S. administration stated that the memorandum of understanding in the field of artificial intelligence grants the Kingdom "access to world-leading American systems," with an emphasis on "protecting American technology from any external influence."

Washington also announced the approval of both sides on a "joint declaration" that complements negotiations on cooperation in civil nuclear energy, noting that Saudi Arabia committed to making American companies "the first choice" in its future nuclear projects.