Trump elevates ties with Saudi Arabia to 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 said during a formal White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"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," he added to applause.
Countries with major non-NATO ally status receive specific defense trade and security advantages, including access to joint research and development opportunities with the Pentagon as well as priority in US training, weapons sales and loan programs.
Bahrain, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea and Tunisia are among those already holding this classification.
Although the designation does not automatically include security assurances, the White House said earlier that Trump and bin Salman had endorsed a strategic defense pact that "strengthens our more than 80-year defense partnership and fortifies deterrence across the Middle East."
It remains uncertain whether the deterrence referenced suggests a commitment by Washington to protect Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack. The White House did not immediately answer a request for clarification.
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