Official Visit Scheduled for November 18
WASHINGTON — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit US President Donald Trump at the White House on November 18, according to multiple reports published Tuesday. The visit comes as Riyadh continues its pursuit of a defense pact with Washington, a move aimed at formalizing strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Agreements Expected in Defense, AI, and Trade
A report by Bloomberg quoted an anonymous source stating that both leaders are expected to sign several bilateral agreements, including those related to artificial intelligence, defense industries, nuclear cooperation, and trade. While the White House has not yet issued an official confirmation, both US and Saudi officials are reportedly finalizing the agenda and potential memoranda of understanding.
Focus on Security and Intelligence Cooperation
According to CBS News, the Crown Prince and President Trump will also discuss military coordination and intelligence sharing, reflecting both countries’ long-standing security partnership in the Gulf region. The meeting is also expected to touch upon regional maritime stability and counterterrorism efforts amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Normalization with Israel Back on the Agenda
President Trump recently stated that Saudi Arabia has shown willingness to join the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements that several Muslim-majority countries signed with Israel during his first term.“I hope to see Saudi Arabia go in, and I hope to see others go in. I think when Saudi Arabia goes in, everybody goes in,” Trump said during an interview with Fox News. The announcement follows Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which has reopened diplomatic channels for regional normalization efforts.
Regional Context
The meeting will occur amid significant geopolitical shifts. Over the past two years, Israel’s relations with several nations have deteriorated due to the Gaza conflict, with some countries downgrading or severing ties and others recognizing Palestine. Riyadh’s engagement with Washington could signal a renewed strategic alignment as Gulf states navigate post-war regional instability and great-power competition.
