Description: The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced their intention to invest up to $600 billion in the US economy. President Donald Trump has said his first presidential visit could be to the kingdom if and whether the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman committed towards the investment. The US and Saudi Arabia are expected to deepen economic and military ties as Saudi Arabia mostly depends on the US for its defense industry capabilities and capacities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has denounced the speculation, and the announcement drew negative press attention accusing President Trump of putting a price tag on US diplomacy.
Impact: Saudi Arabia is US’ closest ally in the Middle East and their political, military and intelligence extension of interests and influence in regional international relations. Saudi Arabia would aim to expand its cooperation with the US in several areas of interest while the US could exploit Saudi Arabia’s crude oil capacities to gain the upper hand on the global natural resources and trade market. The deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries suggests extended economic, security and intelligence cooperation in the region as the US bolsters its geopolitical portfolio.