By deciding to make Saudi Arabia his first overseas destination on assuming power, American President Donald Trump has indicated the importance the US attaches to its relations with the Kingdom. Saudi-US relations date back to the first meeting between late King Abdulaziz and late US President Franklin Roosevelt. These strong relations between the two countries even offer a sense of security to the entire region, which has been in turmoil for decades. Relations between the two countries looked rather shaky during the last two years of the Obama tenure. The ambiguity in the US position as regards to the region, and the perceived lack of enthusiasm therein, were enough fodder for analysts to see the looming end of the strategic partnership. But this was not to be. With a new administration in Washington, the precarious phase in bilateral ties has thankfully been reversed. Under a strong president, relations are back on track, spurred on even further with the recent visit of the Deputy Crown Prince to Washington where he held cordial talks with the President. The high-level diplomatic engagement is now bearing fruit. That meeting reminded the US that it has a tried and tested ally in the Middle East, effectively leading the Arab and Muslim worlds against devious plots to destroy the region. Moreover, it was affirmed that the Kingdom has a well-thought-out plan for its future, based on a strong economic and developmental vision. The depth of Saudi-US relations is time-tested, based on common interests and a history of strong political, economic and security partnership. The road ahead shows every sign of a new era in these long-standing relations, based on trust and a strong sense of commitment to the welfare of the peoples of both countries.
