President Trump said Tuesday evening that he has formally designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, aiming to deepen military cooperation between the two nations.

The big picture: The announcement follows Trump's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (earlier on Tuesday, when MBS pledged to up Riyadh investments in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion. • Trump also revealed earlier this week that he will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia — making it the first country in the Middle East other than Israel to obtain the aircraft.

What they're saying: "A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries, and it will serve the highest interest of peace," Trump said during the Tuesday evening dinner with MBS. • "I'm just telling

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