Renewing the Saudi-US partnership

In recent years, a key pillar of this enduring resilience has been the relationship between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump, whose decision to make Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit in 2017 sent a clear message about its importance. He returned to Riyadh in May, at the outset of his second term.

Bilateral relations are based on mutual interest and understanding. The US remains a cornerstone of the international order, while Saudi Arabia is advancing a transformative project that demands capable partners to translate its vision into concrete outcomes, influence, and stability. Whenever recalibration is needed, both sides act swiftly, driven by a shared recognition that severing ties is not a viable option.

Saudi repositioning

The Saudi Arabia heading to Washington this week is markedly different from Saudi Arabia a decade ago, when it was an ally whose influence was limited to the energy sector. Today, it is broadening its horizons economically, politically, militarily, and technologically. It is forging partnerships with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Pakistan while retaining its prominent voice in the OPEC+ grouping of oil-producing nations, where it is driving a strategy focused on market stability as the world transitions to new energy models.

These shifts strengthen Riyadh's negotiating hand in Washington, as the crown prince looks to revitalise a long-term partnership that spans politics, defence, and joint ventures in areas such as AI and advanced computing. Key priorities for Riyadh now include regional frameworks to address critical issues, because the Middle East can ill afford any new power vacuums or instability.

The Syrian file stands out as an early test of the two sides' ability to forge a workable understanding. Should Washington lift sanctions before the end of the year, it would signal its departure from the stance adopted for 'Assad's Syria'. This neither secured political transition nor curbed Iranian influence, but rather fostered a war economy, empowered militias, fuelled narcotics smuggling, impoverished millions, and deepened the sense of chaos.

Saudi Arabia is shifting Arab engagement with Damascus towards reconstruction, the return of refugees, and the dismantling of al-Assad's war economy, which will reinforce stability and counter extremism. If the easing of US sanctions is pursued in earnest, it could position Washington as a partner in this endeavour, rather than a hindrance.

This week, both Riyadh and Washington have the chance to establish new frameworks that connect security with technology and investment with stability. The Middle East has undergone significant changes, and the key players have evolved. Although the US still holds many keys, it is no longer the sole gatekeeper. For its part, Saudi Arabia is now a regional policymaking power, and arrives in Washington with the confidence of a state enjoying a diverse network of relationships capable of reinforcing and revitalising the partnership.