Riyadh, May 14, 2025 — The Europe Today: Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Saudi Arabia as “the greatest nation in the world” during a keynote address at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom’s transformative leadership and underscoring a commitment to deepening strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Addressing a high-level audience of policymakers, business leaders, and investors, Trump lauded Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and growing influence on the global stage. “You are among the most prosperous nations in the world,” he stated, expressing confidence in the Kingdom’s aspirations. “Riyadh will become a global business hub. The future of the Middle East begins here.”
The former president reserved particular praise for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as “a tireless leader” who “works hard — I don’t think he even sleeps at night.” Trump also credited both the Crown Prince and King Salman with spearheading a “remarkable and profound transformation in the region.”
Calling his visit to the Kingdom “historic,” Trump said it was “a great honor to be welcomed in Saudi Arabia in this way,” and vowed to enhance bilateral relations. “We will make our relationship with Saudi Arabia even stronger,” he declared.
In his remarks, Trump also acknowledged the Kingdom’s diplomatic contributions, notably in facilitating dialogue on the Ukraine conflict. “We thank Saudi Arabia for its constructive role,” he said, adding that diplomacy remains vital to regional stability.
Reiterating his stance on Iran, Trump said, “I want to strike a deal with Iran to make the world a safer place,” signaling his openness to re-engagement under certain conditions.
In a significant policy announcement, Trump revealed his decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, attributing the move to recent discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “I decided to lift sanctions on Syria after discussing the matter with the Saudi Crown Prince,” he said.
Turning to defense and regional security, Trump affirmed Washington’s readiness to defend its partners. “Anyone who threatens America and its partners will be met with force,” he warned. “I will not hesitate to use military force to defend Saudi Arabia.”
The forum served as a platform to reaffirm the shared economic and strategic ambitions of the United States and Saudi Arabia, highlighting their enduring partnership in an evolving global landscape.
