Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the United States, a move that significantly deepens military and strategic ties between the two nations.

The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the White House with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional security and economic cooperation.

“This designation reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared interest in promoting stability in the Middle East,” President Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

The MNNA status grants Saudi Arabia enhanced access to U.S. defense technologies, joint military training, and priority in arms procurement. It also paves the way for expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism efforts.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions in Washington. Supporters argue it reinforces a key alliance against Iranian influence and extremist threats, while critics have raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its role in the Yemen conflict.

Saudi officials welcomed the designation, calling it a “historic milestone” in bilateral relations and a testament to the kingdom’s evolving role as a regional power.

The move follows a series of major defense and investment agreements signed between the two countries in recent years, including multi-billion-dollar arms deals and joint infrastructure projects.