Saudi Arabia and the United States: Over 80 years of fruitful and strong relations

JEDDAH: The current official visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman, deputy prime minister and defense minister, to the United States symbolizes the keenness of both states to consolidate their partnerships and bilateral ties, which have extended over the course of 80 years.
Mohamad bin Salman’s first official visit as crown prince to the United States was on June 21, 2017, which at the time, implied a new leap in bilateral relations between both countries, and reflected an interest in finding ways to strengthen and develop those historical ties.
The Crown Prince’s current visit is of great importance, in the wake of rapid international and regional developments, the exchange of views and coordination are necessary between Saudi Arabia and the United States, who are countries of regional influence.
In addition, the visit is also aimed at pushing the Saudi economy forward to a wider horizon, in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030.
US-Saudi relations were established on mutual respect, cooperation and common interests. These ties are of special importance for both sides, given their long history, which dates back to 1931 when Saudi Arabia began to explore and produce oil for commercial purposes.
At the time, the late Saudi King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman granted an American company the rights to prospect for oil. The step was followed by the signing of a cooperation agreement between both states in 1933 in support of this economic aspect, which has become a global power ever since.
Twelve years since this agreement had been intacted, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman strengthened bilateral ties with the US with a historic meeting with US President Franklin Roosevelt aboard the USS Conseil, on 14 February 1945.
The meeting was a turning point in transferring US-Saudi ties to a level of strategic alliance in various fields.