Khaberni - At the conclusion of the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to the United States over the past two days (November 18 and 19), where he met with US President Donald Trump, the two countries emphasized their deep commitment to the historic ties of friendship and strategic partnership, and discussed ways to enhance this partnership in all areas.
This remarkable visit also marked a qualitative leap in the defense partnership agreement between the two countries, with Trump formally announcing Saudi Arabia as a "Major Non-NATO Ally" and approving the sale of F35 fighters to it.
What does this classification mean?
Undoubtedly, this classification is the highest grade in terms of military and security cooperation granted by America to a non-NATO country (Major Non-NATO Ally - MNNA)
It grants the classified state key and important benefits, especially in terms of offering facilities in military and defense cooperation, and the possibility of purchasing advanced American weapons under facilitated terms.
It also gives it priority in acquiring defensive equipment from the American army, as well as access to defense research and development programs, and participation in joint projects to develop military technology.
It also grants the possibility of cooperating in the production of weapons and defense systems.
Furthermore, this classification eases the non-NATO ally's participation in training and maneuvers with the American military, along with logistical support and military funding.
This classification allows for the exchange of intelligence information and coordination of military operations.
"Very important"
In this context, the former American official Amos Hochstein, speaking to Al Arabiya/Alhadath, stated that the United States needs strong partners, emphasizing that "Saudi Arabia is very important in this regard, as it is the largest country in the Gulf and one of the most important countries in the Muslim world and the Arab world".
In turn, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Mike Milroy explained that Saudi Arabia obtaining the status of a Major Ally outside NATO and peaceful nuclear cooperation enhances Riyadh's position as a strategic partner.
Milroy also emphasized in statements to Al Arabiya/Alhadath that the approval to sell F35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia is an exception that no other country in the Middle East has obtained.
The visit of the Saudi Crown Prince to America over the past two days witnessed the signing of the strategic defense agreement, the strategic partnership for artificial intelligence, the joint declaration completing negotiations on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy, the strategic framework for securing uranium supplies, critical minerals, permanent magnets and critical metals, strategic frameworks on facilitating procedures to accelerate Saudi investments, financial and economic partnership arrangements, arrangements relating to cooperation in the financial markets sector, mutual recognition of the US federal standards for vehicle safety, in addition to a memorandum of understanding in the field of education and training.
