Trump, MBS 'to meet next month'

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plan to meet at the White House on November 18, a source close to the government told AFP on Tuesday.

Crown Prince Salman will arrive on November 17 and discuss political, economic and security files with Trump the following day, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The crown prince’s trip was revealed days into a fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump that was warmly welcomed by Saudi Arabia.

Some media reports suggest Saudi Arabia is hoping for a US security agreement after Trump’s executive order this month pledging to defend its neighbour Qatar from attacks.

The visit by the crown prince, often known by his initials MBS, follows Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia in May during the first foreign tour of his second term.

Trump was treated to a lavish welcome by the Saudis, who promised $600 billion in deals ranging from defence to artificial intelligence.

Saudi Arabia and the US have enjoyed a close relationship for decades based on privileged access to Saudi oil reserves in exchange for military protection.

The Kingdom has spearheaded moves championing statehood for the Palestinians, including organising a UN conference along with France in July.

Last month, the two countries’ "New York Declaration" supporting a Hamas-free Palestinian state was backed in a vote by the United Nations General Assembly.