President Donald Trump said he would formally designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally in a further strengthening of ties between the two countries, capping a day of dealmaking between the US leader and the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights,” Trump said at a White House dinner in honour of the 40-year-old royal. This is “very important to them,” he added.

The designation for nations with close strategic relationships with the US provides financing and priority access for purchases of certain military equipment, as well as the ability to participate in joint research efforts. Saudi Arabia will become the 20th ally designated under the status, joining other nations in the Middle Eas

See Full Page