In a statement broadcasted by the Saudi state news agency, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto Saudi ruler often known as MbS, warned that Riyadh may opt to cut investments in the US.
MbS responded no when asked if Saudi governance could be transformed into a constitutional monarchy. He stated, “Saudi Arabia is based on pure monarchy.”
Riyadh’s goal, according to Prince Mohammed, is to retain and enhance its “long, historical” connection with America. Saudi investments in the US, he added, totaled $800 billion.
“In the same way we have the possibility of boosting our interests, we have the possibility of reducing them,” he was quoted saying.
The long-standing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, and Washington has been strained since Biden took office in January 2021, owing to Riyadh’s human rights record, particularly in relation to the Yemen war and the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
