Washington : President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, revealing the decision while hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.

“Tonight, 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.

He added, “And I’m just telling you now for the first time, because they wanted to keep a little secret for tonight.”

Only 19 countries currently hold the designation, which offers expanded defence, intelligence, and security collaboration with Washington. Although it provides significant practical and financial advantages, it does not constitute a

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