Bin Salman Responds to Trump’s $500 Billion Request for a Visit to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed the Kingdom’s desire to expand its investments and trade relations with the United States over the next four years, pledging $600 billion, with the possibility of increasing this amount if additional opportunities arise.

On Wednesday evening, Bin Salman held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with Washington.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that during the call, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed congratulations from King Salman bin Abdulaziz to President Trump on his inauguration, wishing the American people progress and prosperity under Trump’s leadership.

The discussion also covered avenues of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, alongside strengthening bilateral efforts to combat terrorism, according to the SPA report.

The conversation further delved into enhancing bilateral relations across various fields. The Crown Prince highlighted the potential for Trump’s administration, through its anticipated reforms in the United States, to create “unprecedented economic prosperity” that Saudi Arabia aims to capitalize on by exploring opportunities for partnership and investment.

For his part, President Trump expressed gratitude to King Salman and the Crown Prince for their congratulations, emphasizing his eagerness to work with Saudi leadership to advance their mutual interests.

Earlier this week, President Trump commented on a potential destination for his first international visit after assuming office, hinting that he might visit Saudi Arabia if a new $500 billion deal were to be made.

Responding to a question about his first foreign trip, Trump remarked, “Traditionally, the first foreign visit has been to the UK, but I chose Saudi Arabia during my first term because they agreed to purchase $450 billion worth of American products.”

He added during a press briefing in the Oval Office while signing a series of executive orders on Monday that he might revisit Saudi Arabia if they promise $500 billion this time, taking inflation into account.

In May 2017, Trump made Saudi Arabia the destination of his first foreign visit after succeeding Barack Obama as President of the United States. He later boasted about securing “hundreds of billions of dollars in agreements” with Riyadh during that trip.