Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman left Saudi Arabia on Monday for an official working visit to the United States, the Royal Court announced.

The visit comes at the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and in response to an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the statement, the Crown Prince will meet the president in Washington to discuss bilateral relations, ways to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, and key regional and international issues.

President Trump signaled the significance of the visit on Friday, telling reporters: “We’re more than meeting, we’re honoring Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince.”

Although not classified as a formal state visit, the White House plans include ceremonial elements typical of one: an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, a greeting on the South Portico, a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, followed by a signing and lunch in the Cabinet Room. A formal dinner will be held in the East Room later that evening.

Tuesday’s program will mark Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first visit to the White House in more than seven years.

Trump has said he intends to use the talks to further strengthen economic, defense, and strategic ties with the Kingdom.

U.S. and Saudi officials are expected to sign several agreements during the visit.

According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration is preparing to finalize an arrangement enabling Riyadh to purchase F-35 stealth aircraft.

The two leaders last met in May during Trump’s state visit to Riyadh, where the U.S. president was welcomed with a Saudi Air Force jet escort, an honor guard wielding golden swords, and a ceremonial Arabian horse procession.