Opening Session of the Gulf–U.S. Summit
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman delivered the opening remarks of the summit, emphasizing that the meeting with President Donald Trump is a continuation of the historic relationship and strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States. He stated that this partnership has grown and evolved over the decades into a model of cooperation, adding that the summit reflects a shared commitment to collective action aimed at strengthening ties, expanding strategic partnerships, and advancing mutual development goals.
Objectives of the Gulf–U.S. Summit
The summit sought to reinforce the strategic partnership between the GCC and the United States in line with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ vision to enhance joint Gulf action and activate the Council’s strategic alliances at the regional and international levels in support of shared interests. It also provided an opportunity to discuss current political and security challenges, and to coordinate efforts between the GCC and the United States to bolster regional security and stability.
Gulf–U.S. Relations
Relations between the GCC countries and the United States have played a key role in ensuring security and stability across the region, while also contributing to the advancement of political, economic, trade, and investment avenues.
In the commercial context, the GCC countries and the United States maintain strong trade and investment ties. In 2024, the volume of trade exchange between the two sides exceeded USD180 billion.
This relationship has witnessed considerable growth, marked by a series of joint summits that have served as pivotal milestones in advancing shared objectives.
The First Gulf–U.S. Summit 2015
On 13 May 2015, the first summit between the GCC countries and the United States convened at the White House in Washington, D.C. Discussions focused on strengthening Gulf–U.S. relations across various sectors, assessing regional political and security developments, reviewing the Iranian nuclear file, and exploring joint efforts to safeguard regional peace and stability.
On 14 May 2015, GCC leaders met with former U.S. President Barack Obama at Camp David in Maryland. A joint statement was issued following the meeting, in which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at building stronger relations in diverse areas, including defense and security cooperation, and resolving regional issues to promote shared interests in regional stability and prosperity.
Gulf–U.S. Summit in Riyadh 2016
On 21 April 2016, and at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, GCC leaders and U.S. President Barack Obama convened in Riyadh to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two sides, focused on ensuring regional security, stability, and prosperity.
The leaders reviewed progress made since the first summit, including actions taken to enhance cooperation and deepen the partnership between the GCC and the United States.
Gulf–U.S. Summit 2017
On 21 May 2017, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosted the Gulf–U.S. Summit at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The summit brought together GCC leaders, their delegations, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The summit addressed shared regional and global issues, with consensus on the need for united efforts to achieve stability, security, and prosperity. The leaders also reviewed the progress made since the second Gulf-U.S. Summit held on April 21, 2016, including measures taken to strengthen cooperation and deepen the strategic partnership between the two sides.
Jeddah Security and Development Summit (2022)
On 16 July 2022, and in recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leading role and stature in the Arab, Islamic, and international worlds, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Jeddah Security and Development Summit on behalf of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The summit was attended by leaders and representatives from the GCC countries, the United States, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Iraq.
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