Cooperation in Energy, Defense, and Resources
Securing Investment and Exports to the U.S.; Supporting Modernization of the Saudi Military
On the first day of his Middle East tour, May 13 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and signed a strategic economic partnership agreement. The deal includes $600 billion (approximately 850 trillion won) in investments, exports, and strengthened security cooperation.
According to the White House, President Trump visited Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where he met with the de facto ruler, Crown Prince bin Salman, and signed an agreement focused on cooperation in sectors such as energy, defense, and resources.
Through this agreement, U.S. defense companies secured contracts to export $142 billion worth of defense equipment to Saudi Arabia. The United States also plans to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia through military training and other initiatives to enhance the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces.
Saudi company Datavault will invest $20 billion to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and infrastructure in the United States. In addition, $80 billion will be jointly invested with U.S. companies in advanced technology sectors.
Furthermore, U.S. companies will participate in infrastructure projects such as King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the United States will achieve $2 billion in service industry exports.
The package also includes the export of GE Vernova's gas turbines and energy solutions, as well as the export of Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft. Investments in energy investment funds, aerospace and defense technology funds, and global sports funds are also part of this package.
The United States has agreed to strengthen security cooperation, including supporting the modernization and development of the Saudi military. In return, the United States has secured this large-scale package of exports to and investments from Saudi Arabia.
During their meeting, President Trump and Crown Prince bin Salman were also reported to have discussed President Trump's Middle East peace initiative, the Abraham Accords, a ceasefire in Gaza, stabilization of the situation in Syria, and the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.
After the meeting, President Trump stated, "With this visit, we have secured over $1 trillion in additional Saudi investments and product purchases," a figure that far exceeds the $600 billion announced by the White House. He emphasized, "With the help of the people of the Middle East, those present here, and our regional partners, the golden age of the Middle East can move forward with us. We will work together, stand together, and succeed together. We will win together and always remain friends."
As he did during his first term, President Trump chose Saudi Arabia as the first country to visit after his inauguration. Starting with Saudi Arabia, he will visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in succession through May 16. Meanwhile, if Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, T?rkiye, on May 15, there is also speculation that President Trump could make a surprise appearance during his Middle East tour.
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