Egypt Daily News – Riyadh witnessed on Tuesday the signing of an unprecedented arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, described by the White House as “the largest in history.” The agreement, signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, includes advanced military equipment worth $142 billion.
The deal is part of a series of agreements signed by President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
A White House statement said: “The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed the largest defense sales agreement in history, worth nearly $142 billion,” to supply the Gulf kingdom with “advanced combat equipment.”
In addition, the two sides signed a “Strategic Economic Partnership” agreement during a lavish ceremony at Al-Yamamah Royal Palace in Riyadh, marking the beginning of Trump’s multi-day Gulf tour.
Trump and Prince Mohammed signed what the event’s host described as a “Strategic Economic Partnership” document, though no further details were provided. Meanwhile, other Saudi and American ministers and officials signed additional memoranda of understanding in the fields of defense and energy.
Later, Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, attended by Saudi ministers and prominent business figures from both countries.
Trump began his Gulf tour in Riyadh, which will last several days and includes stops in the UAE and Qatar.
The tour, which continues until May 16, is Trump’s first trip abroad during his second presidential term, although he had made a brief visit to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
