Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeking foreign investment in an economic reform plan, left for the US Monday to meet President Donald Trump, state media said.
Prince Mohammed will be the highest-ranking Saudi official to hold talks with Trump since the US leader took office in January.
The visit, which officially begins Thursday, focuses on the “strengthening of bilateral relations… and regional issues of mutual interest,” the Saudi Press Agency said.
Second in line to the throne, Prince Mohammed is the son of King Salman and holds the post of defense minister, although much of his focus is on economic issues.
He is the chief proponent of Vision 2030, a wide-ranging social and economic reform plan begun last year to diversify the oil dependent economy.
The US provides weapons, refueling and intelligence support for a Saudi-led coalition waging a nearly two-year-offensive against neighboring Yemen.
Prince Mohammed’s trip comes as King Salman, 81, is on an Asian tour lasting about one month and emphasizing economic ties.
A foreign diplomat told AFP the king is traveling with a large cross-section of the royal family and the tour is seen by some as a way to help him build loyalty to Prince Mohammed.
Analysts have pointed to rivalry between Prince Mohammed and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 56, the first in line to the throne who is also interior minister.
Source: AFP
