U.S. President Donald Trump described his recent discussions with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa as “constructive,” adding that both Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had pressed him to lift sanctions on Syria to give the country a chance to rebuild.
Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed at the White House on Tuesday, Trump explained that the Saudi crown prince had personally called him, urging the removal of sanctions to allow Syria to recover. Trump also noted that President al-Sharaa had visited the White House recently, and that their meeting had been productive.
The U.S. president further revealed that President Erdogan had similarly called for sanctions relief, stressing that without such measures, Syria would not be able to recover.
Turning to U.S.-Saudi relations, Trump praised the Kingdom as “a strong ally and an important partner,” lauding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. “He is a remarkable man who has strengthened Saudi Arabia and made it a more influential country,” Trump said. “Our alliance with Saudi Arabia is not only strategic but growing, with more partnerships and agreements to come.”
Trump also highlighted new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in energy, with an emphasis on nuclear and renewable sectors. “We are exploring the possibility of a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, and we are working to approve the export of advanced technologies,” he explained. He also confirmed that Saudi Arabia would soon be authorized to purchase F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, calling them “exceptional.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for his part, underscored the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, noting that both countries have significant work ahead to deepen their ties. He also revealed plans for Saudi Arabia to substantially increase its investments in the U.S., with projections ranging from $600 billion to $1 trillion.
The Crown Prince is currently in Washington for an official visit, following an invitation from President Trump and under the guidance of King Salman of Saudi Arabia.
