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One-time President Trump has largely ignored the killing of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "extremely controversial" person that was not well-liked.

White House Meeting with Saudi Arabian Leader

The statements were delivered throughout a presidential session alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his inaugural appearance since Khashoggi's murder in Turkey.

Intelligence officials assessed that the Saudi leader was behind the assassination, yet Trump stated that the crown prince "knew nothing" of the incident.

Trump's Reply to Reporter's Inquiry

Trump additionally attacked the news professional who brought up the topic, implying that the media outlet deserve to lose its license.

"Numerous folks disliked that person you mention," Trump stated. "Whether you like him or not, events unfolded, but he knew nothing."

The crown prince responded, "It hurts and a major error, and we are working hard to stop such incidents in future."

Financial Agreements and Military Sales

The meeting further emphasized planned Saudi Arabian investment in America, first announced as a $600bn package, though potentially expanded to one trillion dollars.

The former president stated his aim to provide top-tier F-35 planes to Riyadh, notwithstanding reservations from the Israeli government and intelligence communities.

The pair additionally revealed talks about a prospective agreement for Riyadh to normalize diplomatic links with the Israeli government in return for a two-state solution.

Middle Eastern Concerns and Challenges

The proposed sale of F-35s has triggered alarm in Israel, that currently possesses the F-35 in the Middle East.

Intelligence officials are apprehensive because of the kingdom's extensive security ties with China, raising fears over intellectual property risks.

Nonetheless, the former president maintained that Riyadh should receive the same high-grade aircraft as Israel, citing them being "good allies" of the US.

Broader Agreements

In addition to weapons sales, American authorities noted hopes for massive Saudi Arabian funding in the US AI industry, as well as enhanced partnership in civil nuclear power projects.

"We confirm our plan to boost the initial amount to around a trillion dollars," Prince Mohammed declared.

Diplomatic Challenges

The Trump government is aiming an atomic and defense arrangement with Riyadh, that President Biden's team previously pursued without success to finalize.

Yet, the ongoing situation, including the Hamas attack and later Israeli military actions in the region, have hindered the chances of such a deal.

"After October 7, I believe the price for Saudi to commit to relations with the Israelis has increased significantly," an ex- peace envoy remarked.

Future Discussions

"We desire to be part the diplomatic deals, yet we also want to ensure a concrete plan toward Palestinian statehood," the Saudi leader declared.

The former president concurred, noting, "We conducted an excellent conversation about diplomatic ties. We spoke about various options."

"We covered about numerous issues quickly. We will continue it further," he added. "However, I believe you have a strong understanding regarding normalization."

Controversy Over Commercial Links

The encounter was also controversial over alleged overlap involving the former president's family private business interests and Gulf countries.

The former president rejected any impropriety, asserting he had "relinquished control from his enterprises" while dedicated "full attention" to the presidency.

"I have nothing to do with my family's enterprises," he stated. "Their business dealings is acceptable. They work all over. Their activities are limited with Riyadh, in fact. I'm sure opportunities exist. Any dealings they've had has been positive."