Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has initiated a major diplomatic visit to Washington aimed at deepening his country’s strategic ties with the United States. According to Semafor, his agenda includes pursuing a defense guarantee, increased access to artificial intelligence technology, and talks on developing a civilian nuclear program.
This visit marks his first trip to the U.S. since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a source of international controversy. Despite past tensions, MBS appears intent on strengthening U.S.-Saudi cooperation — signalling that Riyadh wants to move forward, putting the past behind them.
A major focus is on securing defense assurances. Analysts suggest that talks could result in a U.S. executive order guaranteeing support in the event of a military threat — similar to the arrangement Washington struck earlier with Qatar. Such a commitment would reinforce Saudi Arabia’s security amid regional volatility and align with its long-term Vision 2030 ambitions.
At the same time, Riyadh is pushing hard for technological and economic partnerships. It seeks access to advanced AI chips, which are crucial for its ambitions to become a key node in global AI development. The crown prince is also pushing for cooperation on civilian nuclear energy, a move aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s energy base and challenging regional rivals.
