A strategic opportunity amid regional challenges

Arab News

11-05-2025

https://arab.news/wzjre
US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13 comes at a critical time for the Middle East in general, and the Saudi-American partnership specifically. Amid an extremely complicated regional landscape — defined by continued Israeli aggression and instability in Gaza, rising tensions across multiple fronts, and broader shifts in global alignments — this visit offers both sides an opportunity to reaffirm shared interests and outline a common vision for regional stability.
For Saudi Arabia, the visit is particularly significant. As one of the most important longstanding US partners in the region, the Kingdom recognizes the value of deepening dialogue at the highest levels, especially as a means to promote de-escalation and pursue diplomatic pathways in a rapidly evolving environment.
With many of the issues in the Middle East left unresolved — the conflict in Gaza, the political transition in Syria, and the future of Iran's nuclear program, to name just a few — the need for coordinated efforts, especially between Washington and Riyadh, would appear to be more pressing than ever.
Trump's visit will provide an opportunity to review the broader scope of US-Saudi relations. Bilateral cooperation has expanded in recent years to include new areas of interest such as clean energy, critical minerals, space, and advanced technologies. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic transformation plan continues to open new sectors for investment and partnership, and US companies remain well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from these opportunities.
As has traditionally been the case, security and defense cooperation will remain a central component of the dialogue, particularly in light of shared concerns about maritime security, regional arms proliferation, and the activities of non-state actors. The Kingdom continues to support efforts to enhance stability in the Gulf, including a coordinated dual policy composed of building deterrence capabilities and seeking confidence-building with neighboring countries.
At the same time, Riyadh is expected to raise the importance of strategic clarity and long-term reliability in the defense partnership. Discussions may touch on the Kingdom's aspirations for greater and more clearly defined security cooperation, as well as potential civil nuclear energy development under appropriate international frameworks and safeguards.
On the regional and international geopolitical front, consensus between Riyadh and Washington is harder to come by. Saudi Arabia has consistently emphasized the importance of a sustainable and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in international law and the longstanding parameters of a two-state solution.
In recent months, the Kingdom has played a constructive role in consultations with regional and global partners to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, and paving the way for a credible political process to end the ongoing injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people.
Progress towards resolving the Palestinian issue remains central not only to long-term regional stability but also to normalization in the region.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager
Thus, while the Kingdom values its relationships with all partners, it has made clear that normalization with Israel will not occur without meaningful progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state, with guarantees of sovereignty, dignity, and security for its people. These are not new positions, but the current context requires renewed commitment and viable, practical, and irreversible steps.
Trump's visit presents an opportunity to align efforts. But while US engagement remains essential to advancing a lasting peace, it must be understood that progress towards resolving the Palestinian issue remains central not only to long-term regional stability but also to further cooperation and normalization in the region.
The visit also comes at a time when regional diplomacy is both urgently needed and increasingly complex. For Saudi Arabia and the US alike, this is a chance to reaffirm a long-standing partnership while exploring how to jointly address evolving regional and global realities. The outcomes of the visit will therefore not be measured solely by public statements or agreements, but by the extent to which both sides can align on a shared strategic direction — one that balances stability, development, and diplomacy.
Outside of the Middle East, the regional and global landscape has evolved considerably since Trump's last term in office. To position itself in such a volatile environment, Saudi Arabia has pursued a policy of diversification in its international relations, engaging constructively with a wide range of partners, including China, India, Russia, and the EU. These relationships are part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth, attract investment, and foster political stability through balanced diplomacy.
Nonetheless, the US continues to play a unique role as a strategic partner, particularly in areas of defense, high technology, and regional diplomacy. Riyadh seeks to strengthen its relationship with Washington through institutionalized mechanisms and forward-looking cooperation that views today's challenges as tomorrow's opportunities.
Saudi Arabia will continue to advocate for pragmatic solutions, including efforts to de-escalate ongoing conflicts and address their root causes. The Kingdom looks forward to engaging with the US not only on security issues, but also through economic, technological, and environmental collaboration that serves the interests of both countries and the wider region.
As Trump arrives in Jeddah, both countries have the opportunity to set a tone of mutual respect, constructive engagement, and long-term cooperation. The visit is expected to reaffirm the depth of the US-Saudi relationship while allowing for candid discussions on pressing issues — from Gaza and regional stability to economic diversification and strategic coordination.
At a time of uncertainty, the strength of diplomacy lies in its ability to lead to consensus, foster dialogue, and offer realistic paths forward. This visit will be precisely such a moment.
• Dr. Abdulaziz Sager is chairman of the Gulf Research Center.