Saudi Arabia, U.S. sign 350 billion dollar deal to bolster military capabilities

The White House on Saturday announced that the United States has sealed an arms deal worth USD 350 billion with Saudi Arabia, which comes as President Donald Trump began an official visit to the Muslim-majority nation.

The agreement, which is worth USD 350 billion over 10 years and USD 110 billion that will take effect immediately, was hailed by the White House as "a significant expansion of.[the] security relationship" between the two countries, reports the CNBC.

"This package of defence equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian threats, while also bolstering the Kingdom's ability to contribute to counter terrorism operations across the region, reducing the burden on the U.S. military to conduct those operations," the White House said in a statement.

The U.S.-Saudi partnership has been fraught with controversy since the 9/11 attacks, which culminated last year in a Congressional vote to allow 9/11 families to sue the country for its suspected links to the attackers.

Saudi Arabia is the primary destination for U.S. arms sales, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, with the Kingdom purchasing nearly 10 percent of U.S. exports from 2011 to 2015.

The weapons deal also gives Trump a victory to merchandise abroad.