Trump And MBS Sign Strategic Defense Treaty, US Set Saudi Arabia Main Non-NATO Ally

JAKARTA - The United States designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally (North Atlantic Treaty) or MNNA, in line with the signing of the Strategic Defense Treaty (SDA) by President Donald Trump with Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) Tuesday.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is known to be making an official state visit to the United States. Yesterday, President Trump received it in the Oval Room, White House, Washington DC

President Trump approved a package of large arms sales, including future 5th generation F-35 fighter jet deliveries, after a meeting at the White House with Prince MBS. As part of the weapons package, Saudi Arabia will also purchase nearly 300 American tanks, according to the White House.

The White House said the deal would make it easier for US defense companies to operate in Saudi Arabia, securing "a new burden-sharing fund from Saudi Arabia to cover US costs," and stressed Riyadh views the US as its main strategic partner, as reported by Al Arabiya November 19.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the SDA "enforced the two countries' strong commitment to deepening their strategic partnerships, improving regional security, and advancing global peace and stability."

MNNA's status, based on US law, "provides certain benefits to foreign partners in defense trade and security cooperation," but does not provide any security commitments.

Prior to Saudi Arabia, a number of countries in the Middle East had become the same partners, including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

Separately, the Joint Declaration on the Settlement of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation has been signed, which, according to the White House, confirms the US and American companies will become the Kingdom's preferred civil nuclear cooperation partners. The agreement also ensures that all cooperation will be carried out in a manner consistent with a "strong non-proliferation standard."

The Critical Mineral Framework will deepen collaboration to diversify critical mineral supply chains. The AI Memorandum of Understanding gives Saudi Arabia access to the world's leading American systems "while protecting US technology from foreign influences, ensuring American innovators will form a global AI future."

In addition, both sides agreed to start negotiations in the coming weeks on trade issues, including reducing non-tariff barriers and improving the investment environment.

Meanwhile, the Treasury Department and the Saudi Ministry of Finance signed an agreement to enhance collaboration in the fields of technology, standards, and capital market regulations, as well as deepen their partnership with international financial institutions.