U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House this week, marking the powerful royal’s first visit to Washington in more than seven years. The meeting, though not classified as a formal state visit, will carry many of the ceremonial elements typically associated with one including a welcome by military bands, a bilateral discussion in the Oval Office, and a black tie dinner in the evening.

The White House says the talks are intended to advance economic cooperation, expand defense partnerships, and strengthen coordination on regional security matters. The agenda is expected to include discussions on artificial intelligence, nuclear energy development, and broader strategic collaboration between the two countries.

President Trump noted last week that one of his goals for the meeting is to encourage Saudi Arabia to move closer toward formally recognizing Israel a step U.S. officials believe could reshape political dynamics across the Middle East. The visit comes as both nations seek to reinforce their long-standing partnership amid shifting regional alliances and growing global competition in energy and defense sectors.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, has pursued an assertive foreign policy and sweeping economic reforms at home under his Vision 2030 agenda. His return to the White House signals a renewed phase of high-level engagement between Riyadh and Washington as both countries navigate shared interests from security cooperation to technological advancement.