By Tumwesigye Anslem
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, is set to visit Washington next month for a three-day trip, during which he will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, a source close to the Saudi government revealed to AFP on Tuesday. The visit, scheduled to begin on November 17, comes on the heels of a fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump, a development warmly welcomed by Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter and home to Islam’s holiest sites.
The meeting, set for November 18, underscores the strategic importance of U.S.-Saudi relations at a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not disclose further details of the agenda but highlighted the significance of the timing, given recent diplomatic breakthroughs in the region.
The Gaza ceasefire, which has brought a tentative pause to the conflict that erupted in October 2023, has been a focal point for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has long positioned itself as a key player in regional stability, advocating for Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for normalizing ties with Israel. Prior to the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia engaged in exploratory talks with the United States on a potential deal to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for security guarantees and energy cooperation. However, Riyadh suspended these discussions as the conflict escalated, reaffirming its stance that recognition of Israel hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The upcoming meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed and President Trump is expected to address a range of issues, including regional security, economic partnerships, and the future of Saudi Arabia’s role in Middle East peace efforts. Analysts suggest the talks could also explore ways to sustain the Gaza ceasefire and revive discussions on Saudi-Israeli normalization, though significant hurdles remain. Saudi Arabia’s influence as a global energy powerhouse and a custodian of Islam’s holiest sites gives it considerable leverage in shaping the region’s political landscape. The kingdom’s cautious yet pragmatic approach to diplomacy has positioned it as a mediator in conflicts and a key ally for the U.S. in countering Iran’s regional ambitions.
As the Crown Prince prepares for his Washington visit, the international community will be closely watching for signs of progress on the Palestinian issue and the broader implications for Middle East peace. The talks with Trump could set the tone for U.S.-Saudi collaboration in navigating the region’s complex challenges in the years ahead.
