What to expect during Prince Mohammed’s visit to the US

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will begin his first official visit to the United States on March 19. Following closely after the recently concluded trips to Egypt and the United Kingdom, during which a number of trade and business deals were announced, the US tour is also expected to focus on aligning investment interests.

Argaam lists possible highlights of Crown Prince’s agenda during the US visit.

Meeting with US President

US President Donald Trump plans to meet with Prince Mohammed in Washington on March 20, according to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “The president looks forward to strengthening ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia,” Sanders said.

Talks on Aramco IPO

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has been vying to host the international leg of Saudi Aramco’s initial public offering (IPO), and the subject could be key focus following the recent competing push from London Stock Exchange during Prince Mohammed’s visit to the UK.

In November last year, President Trump had asked Saudi Arabia to list Saudi Aramco on NYSE.

Investment Opportunities

During President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia last year several business and trade deals were signed between the two countries in sectors such as aviation, technology, and energy. Similar negotiations can be expected during the Crown Prince’s upcoming visit as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract more foreign investment.

Nuclear Energy Talks

Saudi Arabia is moving ahead to set the framework for its atomic energy program, as the Kingdom seeks alternative sources to meet the growing domestic demand for energy. The Kingdom has selected two potential sites for its first nuclear power plant project and the country’s first nuclear project is said to be planned as a two-reactor 2.8 gigawatts (GW) plant.

Korean and Chinese firms have already shown interest in participating in the project.

Last month, US Energy Secretary Rick Perry was said to have travelled to London to discuss a nuclear cooperation agreement with senior officials from Saudi Arabia.