Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America share strong relations that exemplify mutual understanding and respect. Decades of constructive cooperation have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership, enhancing collaboration across diverse fields to serve the interests and aspirations of both nations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, relations between the two countries hold special significance, with roots tracing back to a cooperation agreement in 1933. This agreement solidified a crucial economic foundation that later evolved into a global economic force.
The historic meeting between King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and US President Franklin Roosevelt on February 14, 1945, established decades of strategic relations based on mutual respect and trust. This meeting laid the groundwork for expanding cooperation across various sectors, as the Kingdom sought to leverage this relationship for its national interests and the broader Arab and Islamic causes.
Globally, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US is seen as a cornerstone for regional and global security and economic stability. This is due to their significant political, security, and economic influence, their role in fostering international peace and security, and their joint membership in the G20.
The long history of US-Saudi relations includes significant milestones, notably Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's visit to the US in September 2015 at President Obama's invitation.
Following the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' directives, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also made a working visit to the US in March 2017, meeting with President Donald J. Trump and other officials.
Furthering the exchange of high-level visits, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received President Trump in Riyadh for an official visit in May 2017. During this visit, a Saudi-US summit took place, resulting in the signing of the Joint Strategic Vision Declaration and over $280 billion in economic and investment agreements.
The visit also included the Gulf-American Summit and the Arab-Islamic-American Summit, bringing together leaders and delegation heads from GCC nations and participating countries of the Arab-Islamic-American Summit.
The 2017 Riyadh visit also marked the inauguration of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal). Countering extremism and terrorism is a key aspect of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US, with bilateral cooperation yielding significant progress in confronting terrorist organizations and mitigating their threat to regional security and stability.
Following directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH the Crown Prince made an official visit to the US in March 2018, meeting with President Trump at the White House in Washington.
In July 2022, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the presence of HRH the Crown Prince, met with US President Joseph Biden at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. HRH the Crown Prince and President Biden held an official meeting followed by a broader discussion, focusing on shared priorities to enhance the bilateral partnership and addressing regional and global challenges.
The US side expressed its support for the Kingdom's Vision 2030, recognizing its economic transformation and social reform goals, as well as efforts to empower women economically and foster interfaith dialogue. Similarly, the Kingdom welcomed increased US and Saudi private sector investment in each other's economies, aiming to benefit both nations.
Reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to global security and peace, and under the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince, Riyadh has hosted several rounds of discussions between Russia and the US since February 2025.
The economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US is dynamic and diverse, with the Kingdom being a key US trading partner in the region. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $32 billion, with Saudi Arabia exporting goods worth $13 billion to the US and importing $19 billion worth of goods from the US.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry collaborates with US relevant authorities on various international energy and climate change platforms and initiatives. These include the Net Zero Producers Forum, the Global Methane Pledge, engagement at UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, and cooperation during G20 energy and climate ministerial meetings.
Saudi Arabia and the US have established a robust framework for their business environment through several key agreements. These include the 2000 Agreement for Reciprocal Exemption of Taxes on Income from the International Operation of a Ship or Ships or Aircraft and the Agreement Concerning the Development of Trade and Investment Relations. Numerous scientific, technical, technological, urban development, civil aviation, air transport, clean fuels, carbon management, and intellectual property protection agreements and protocols have also been signed.
In 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Saudi Arabia) established its branch in the Kingdom to align with Saudi Arabia's evolving business landscape.
Throughout its history, the Kingdom has been a significant hub for American companies and investors, serving as their regional business headquarters for decades. Thousands of Americans reside and work in the Kingdom, drawn by its dynamic business environment, thriving community, and attractive global talent market.
In 2024, US direct investment in Saudi Arabia reached $15.3 billion. American investors are optimistic about the Kingdom's recent significant economic transformations, which present promising opportunities for US companies across diverse sectors such as commercial space exploration, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence.
To enhance cooperation in space, earth sciences, and exploration, Saudi Arabia and the US issued a joint statement on November 28, 2023. This statement focused on expanding collaboration in the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space, as well as fostering commercial opportunities within the space industries of both nations. Discussions also centered on establishing a framework agreement for peaceful space cooperation.
In July 2024, the two countries signed a strategic cooperation agreement on the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space.
To foster academic and research collaboration and increase mobility for students, researchers, and faculty, Saudi Arabia and the US signed a higher education and scientific research memorandum of understanding in Riyadh in November 2024. In 2025, 14,845 Saudi students are studying in the US, while the Kingdom provides 318 scholarships to American students. There are 289 agreements, memoranda of cooperation, executive programs, and service contracts between Saudi and American universities.
The Ministry of Culture's initiatives and its affiliates have significantly strengthened cultural exchange and expanded bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in diverse artistic fields. Recent years have seen a notable surge in the participation of Saudi intellectuals, artists, and creatives in US cultural events, mirrored by increased engagement of their American counterparts in cultural activities within the Kingdom.
President Trump's visit to the Kingdom tomorrow, marking his first foreign trip of his second term, just as he did in 2017, underscores the United States' recognition of Saudi Arabia's significant regional and global standing and its commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. This visit also highlights the US administration's focus on enhancing bilateral relations in political, defense, economic, and investment sectors, and its respect for the Kingdom's leadership.
The enduring relations between Saudi Arabia and the US, established 92 years ago by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and continuing under the current leadership, serve as a model of partnership. This reflects both nations' commitment to strengthening ties, advancing shared interests, enhancing communication on regional and global issues, and jointly addressing current challenges.