RIYADH — For over nine decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have cultivated a deep-rooted relationship defined by mutual respect, shared interests, and strategic alignment. What began in 1933 with the signing of a cooperation agreement has evolved into one of the most enduring and multifaceted partnerships in modern international relations. Founding ties and a historic encounter The signing of the 1933 oil concession agreement marked the formal beginning of bilateral relations, soon followed by joint ventures such as the California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC), which later became Aramco. However, the symbolic cementing of this relationship came with the historic meeting between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt on board the USS Quincy on February 14, 1945. That unprecedented encounter laid the foundation for decades of strategic partnership built on trust, stability, and mutual benefit. Strategic alignment across generations Throughout the decades, successive Saudi monarchs and American presidents have worked to strengthen this partnership. The bilateral relationship has been pivotal to global energy security, regional stability, and economic cooperation. In September 2015, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visited Washington, D.C., where he met with President Barack Obama at the White House to reinforce bilateral ties. Under the guidance of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman further deepened relations through high-level visits and strategic dialogues. His official visit to the United States in March 2017, during which he met President Donald Trump and senior officials, laid the groundwork for expanding cooperation in defense, investment, and regional affairs. In May 2017, Riyadh hosted President Trump in his first foreign visit since taking office. The visit culminated in the signing of the Saudi-U.S. Strategic Vision Declaration and economic agreements worth over $280 billion. The deals were designed to localize technology, create jobs in both nations, and foster long-term cooperation in energy, industry, and security. A shared vision for peace and prosperity That same summit witnessed the launch of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) and the hosting of both the GCC-U.S. Summit and the Arab-Islamic-American Summit. These gatherings underlined shared leadership of Saudi Arabia and America in the fight against extremism and terrorism. Furthering these efforts, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Washington in March 2018. During that visit, both leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Saudi partnership and explored opportunities under Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom's economy and deepen trade and defense collaboration. Reinforcing ties in a changing global landscape In July 2022, President Joe Biden visited Saudi Arabia and met with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussions focused on regional stability, climate cooperation, and energy security. The leaders also signed 18 memoranda and agreements in sectors including energy, health, technology, space, and clean power. The United States welcomed Saudi Arabia's initiatives such as the Saudi Green and Middle East Green programs, its leadership in climate forums, and its aim to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Washington also recognized the importance of Vision 2030 and commended Riyadh's economic reforms, women's empowerment, and efforts to promote religious dialogue. Economic stellar pillar Trade and investment remain central to the bilateral relationship. In 2024, bilateral trade totaled approximately $32 billion, with Saudi exports to the U.S. reaching $13 billion—including key non-oil exports such as metals, fertilizers, and organic chemicals. U.S. exports to the Kingdom stood at $19 billion, led by industrial equipment, vehicles, and medical instruments. American companies have long played a vital role in the Saudi market, and vice versa. In 2024, U.S. foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia totaled $15.3 billion, while the U.S. remained one of the Kingdom's most significant economic partners. Opportunities are also growing under Vision 2030, particularly in sectors like mining, clean energy, tourism, health, finance, and space. The U.S.-Saudi Business Council has played a key role in facilitating commercial projects between companies from both nations. Clean energy, climate action, and digital infrastructure In September 2023, both governments signed a memorandum of understanding to develop cross-continental "green corridors" enabling the transmission of renewable electricity and clean hydrogen via cables, pipelines, and rail links. This effort also aims to enhance digital trade through fiber optic networks and improve global energy resilience. Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a leading exporter of clean hydrogen by 2030 is aligned with U.S. interests in energy innovation. Both nations are working together to define hydrogen standards, share technologies, and develop commercial models that support a cleaner future. Defense, innovation, and outer space collaboration Security cooperation continues to anchor bilateral ties. Agreements signed in recent years include defense modernization plans, joint manufacturing of Black Hawk helicopters, and military industry partnerships. In space, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. signed strategic cooperation agreements in 2023 and 2024 aimed at joint exploration, peaceful use of space, and commercial partnerships in earth sciences, navigation, and research. A comprehensive legal framework now supports this expanding frontier. In higher education, a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 promotes academic exchange and collaborative research. Over 14,800 Saudi students are enrolled in U.S. universities in 2025, part of a broader legacy of over 500,000 Saudi students educated in America since 2006. Culture, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties Cultural cooperation has expanded significantly. The Ministry of Culture and its affiliates have launched multiple exchange programs in cinema, music, visual arts, and performance arts. American artists regularly participate in Saudi events, and vice versa, fostering deeper mutual understanding. American citizens continue to live and work in the Kingdom, drawn by its vibrant economy and reforms. Thousands of Americans reside in Saudi Arabia, contributing to business, education, and scientific research. The opening of the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia in 2021 reflects the private sector's confidence in the Kingdom's economic transformation and business opportunities. A forward-looking alliance In November 2024, Saudi leadership congratulated President Donald Trump on his electoral victory, reaffirming the strength of bilateral ties. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman followed with a congratulatory call upon President Trump's inauguration in January 2025, during which both leaders discussed advancing peace in the Middle East, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding investment. In early 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted quiet rounds of dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation, reaffirming its commitment to global stability and diplomacy. A legacy of partnership, a future of opportunity The Saudi-U.S. relationship, born in the sands of economic necessity and nurtured by decades of diplomatic foresight, stands today as a beacon of global cooperation. From the historic meeting of King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt to the strategic visits of modern leaders, the two nations have consistently reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress. As Saudi Arabia advances toward Vision 2030 and the U.S. adapts to new global challenges, both countries remain united by a common goal: building a safer, more interconnected, and more sustainable world.
