Saudi Arabia Significantly Increases Investment in the US from Previous $600 Billion
Expansion of the Abraham Accords Also Discussed
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia met with US President Donald Trump and agreed to significantly expand Saudi investment in the United States from the existing 600 billion dollars to 1 trillion dollars. Notably, during the meeting, President Trump strongly denied allegations that Crown Prince bin Salman was behind the killing of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, actively defending the crown prince.
US President Donald Trump (right) is meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington D.C. on the 18th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
On the 18th (local time), Crown Prince bin Salman directly announced this investment plan during his meeting with President Trump at the White House.
Crown Prince bin Salman stated, "We will announce a plan to increase our investment in the United States from the current level of 600 billion dollars to nearly 1 trillion dollars." In response, President Trump said, "It is a great honor to be friends with you," and added, "I deeply appreciate the investment, which amounts to 1 trillion dollars."
Earlier, after taking office in January this year, President Trump visited Saudi Arabia as his first overseas destination in May and secured an investment agreement worth 600 billion dollars. Saudi Arabia has now announced an additional investment of 400 billion dollars, greatly expanding the scale.
The two sides also exchanged views on expanding the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab countries.
President Trump commented, "I believe we have received positive feedback." Crown Prince bin Salman said, "Normalizing relations with all countries is desirable, and Saudi Arabia also wishes to participate in the agreement." However, he added the condition that a clear path must be guaranteed to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution. Currently, Israel opposes the recognition of a Palestinian state, making the likelihood of expanding the agreement slim.
In particular, President Trump repeatedly denied allegations that Crown Prince bin Salman was behind the killing of Khashoggi, who was a columnist for The Washington Post. This stance is in direct contradiction to the conclusion reached by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which holds the crown prince responsible for the incident.
President Trump asserted, "Khashoggi was a very controversial figure, and many people did not like him," adding, "The crown prince knew nothing about the incident." He also praised Crown Prince bin Salman, saying, "He has achieved remarkable results in various fields, including human rights," and described him as "a highly respected figure and a long-time friend." Furthermore, when an ABC reporter asked a related question, Trump criticized, "You should not embarrass a guest," and added, "ABC is fake news and should have its license revoked."
Regarding claims that he or his family conducting business in Saudi Arabia constitutes a 'conflict of interest,' President Trump responded, "I have nothing to do with the family business," and stated, "I have set aside my own success to work for greater success for the United States."
However, US media outlets such as The Washington Post reported that the Trump Organization, led by President Trump's two sons, is pursuing real estate development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and that his son-in-law Jared Kushner also maintains business relations with Crown Prince bin Salman.
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