WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is set to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next week for a visit marked by official ceremonies, signaling the importance of U.S.-Saudi relations. On Tuesday, the crown prince will arrive at the White House and be greeted with fanfare, including a ceremony on the South Lawn and a private meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. They will discuss and formalize several key economic and defense agreements during a signing ceremony and lunch in the Cabinet Room.
Later that evening, First Lady Melania Trump will host a dinner for the crown prince in the East Room. It's important to note that this visit is considered a 'working visit' rather than an official state visit, as Prince Mohammed is not classified as a head of state.
The following day, a meeting of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council is scheduled at the Kennedy Center with a significant attendance of CEOs, though Trump’s attendance has yet to be confirmed.
This visit emphasizes the significance of the relationship Trump administration has forged with Gulf nations throughout his presidency. Trump had expressed his affinity for Crown Prince Mohammed in past discussions, referring to him as an 'incredible man' and calling their relationship one of mutual respect.
Notably, this will be the crown prince's first visit to the United States since the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a controversy that has shadowed U.S.-Saudi relations. While U.S. intelligence agencies attributed some blame to Prince Mohammed, he has denied any involvement and both the Trump and Biden administrations have made efforts to mend ties since.
Later that evening, First Lady Melania Trump will host a dinner for the crown prince in the East Room. It's important to note that this visit is considered a 'working visit' rather than an official state visit, as Prince Mohammed is not classified as a head of state.
The following day, a meeting of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council is scheduled at the Kennedy Center with a significant attendance of CEOs, though Trump’s attendance has yet to be confirmed.
This visit emphasizes the significance of the relationship Trump administration has forged with Gulf nations throughout his presidency. Trump had expressed his affinity for Crown Prince Mohammed in past discussions, referring to him as an 'incredible man' and calling their relationship one of mutual respect.
Notably, this will be the crown prince's first visit to the United States since the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a controversy that has shadowed U.S.-Saudi relations. While U.S. intelligence agencies attributed some blame to Prince Mohammed, he has denied any involvement and both the Trump and Biden administrations have made efforts to mend ties since.
