President Donald Trump announced that he is naming Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally” on Tuesday, during a White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in which the leaders discussed major weapons deals that would allow the country to continue ravaging the Middle East.

This means that Saudi Arabia will benefit from military and economic privileges that are not afforded to other countries. The State Department says the designation is “a powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with those countries and demonstrates our deep respect for the friendship for the countries to which it is extended.” There are 19 other countries under this label, including Israel.

Trump made the announcement at a black tie dinner at the White House with bin Salman

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