Smiles and handshakes hide political problems as Saudi prince meets Donald Trump at the White House
The possibility of 9/11 legal action against Saudi, talk of the country’s possible nuclear programme, and friction over the war in Yemen all clouded the seemingly cheery meeting
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince received an effusive welcome at the White House Tuesday from US President Donald Trump, who hailed a “great friendship” with the kingdom – but made no public mention of the sticking points in the burgeoning alliance.
Prince Mohammed, who is 32 years old, was making his first visit to the White House since he cemented his role as the kingdom’s de facto political leader and embarked on economic and social reforms long sought by the west.
But an all-out PR campaign designed to burnish the crown prince’s image, and declarations that “relations have never been better” mask several problems that could spoil the honeymoon.
In front of the cameras, it was all backslapping, handshakes, smiles and warm words between Trump and the heir to the Saudi throne, Mohammed bin Salman, who was seeking to burnish his leadership credentials.
“It is an honour to have the crown prince of Saudi Arabia with us,” Trump said as the pair prepared to have lunch in the Cabinet Room. “The relationship is probably the strongest it’s ever been – we understand each other.”