Trump Names KSA as Major Non-NATO US Ally
"I'm pleased to announce that we're taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them," Trump stated while hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for an official dinner at the White House.
He continued, noting, "I'm just telling you now for the first time, because they wanted to keep a little secret for tonight...That's another point you won today, and signing a historic strategic defense agreement, which we just signed a little while ago. So congratulations," remarks that were met with applause.
Such non-NATO allies receive a range of military trade and security collaboration advantages.
These include the possibility of participating in joint research and development ventures with the Pentagon and enjoying priority access to American armaments, instruction, and financial support.
Nations already holding this status include Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea, and Tunisia.
While the title itself does not automatically grant concrete security protections, the White House earlier emphasized that Trump and the Crown Prince signed a strategic defense accord described as one that "strengthens our more than 80-year defense partnership and fortifies deterrence across the Middle East."
It remains uncertain whether the referenced deterrence encompasses any commitment for the United States to defend Saudi Arabia in the event of aggression. The White House did not promptly address a request for clarification on this point.
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