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Former President Donald Trump appeared to shrug off the killing of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, calling him an "extremely controversial" individual that was disliked.

Oval Office Talks with Saudi Crown Prince

The statements were made amid a presidential gathering alongside the Saudi crown prince, representing his inaugural appearance since Khashoggi's murder in Istanbul.

Intelligence officials had previously concluded that the prince authorized the killing, yet Trump stated that he "was unaware" regarding it.

Trump's Response to Journalist's Question

Trump additionally attacked the journalist who asked about the issue, suggesting that the media outlet should lose its permit.

"Many people did not like that gentleman you mention," the former president remarked. "Regardless of your opinion, things occurred, but he had no idea."

The Saudi leader replied, "It hurts and it's a huge mistake, and we are striving to prevent it from happening again."

Economic Deals and Military Transactions

The discussion also highlighted planned Saudi funding in the United States, first announced as a $600bn package, however subsequently raised to one trillion dollars.

The former president announced his aim to sell sophisticated F-35 planes to the Saudis, notwithstanding reservations from the Israeli government as well as US intelligence.

The pair also confirmed negotiations on a potential arrangement for Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic links with Tel Aviv in return for a two-state solution.

Middle Eastern Issues and Challenges

The potential fighter jet deal has raised alarm within Israel, which currently possesses the advanced plane in the Middle East.

Intelligence officials are apprehensive given the kingdom's close security ties with the Chinese, highlighting concerns regarding technology theft.

Nevertheless, the former president stated that Saudi Arabia is entitled to comparable high-grade jets as Israel, citing their role as "reliable friends" of America.

Additional Agreements

Alongside military transactions, administration representatives noted expectations for massive Saudi investment in the US artificial intelligence sector, along with deeper cooperation in civil nuclear power development.

"We are pleased to state our plan to boost the proposed investment to nearly $1 trillion," the crown prince announced.

Diplomatic Complications

The Trump administration is additionally pursuing an atomic and defense partnership deal with the kingdom, which President Biden's team previously pursued but failed to achieve.

Yet, current developments, including the 2023 incident and later operations in Palestinian territories, have hindered the likelihood of normalization.

"After October 7, I believe the price for Riyadh to commit to relations with Israel has gone up substantially," a one-time US Middle East negotiator commented.

Prospective Talks

"We wish to participate the diplomatic deals, yet we additionally seek to ensure a definite route for a two-state solution," Prince Mohammed remarked.

Trump agreed, noting, "We held a very good discussion on the Abraham Accords. We discussed about potential solutions."

"We covered about many topics in a short time. We plan to explore additional aspects," Trump added. "But I think you have a clear grasp of the agreements."

Debate Regarding Business Interests

The meeting additionally disputed due to alleged connections involving the former president's family private business interests and Gulf countries.

Trump rejected any conflict of interest, claiming he has "relinquished control from his companies" and devoted "100% of his energy" to governing.

"I have nothing with their commercial activities," he said. "What my family does is fine. They do business all over. They have minimal involvement in the kingdom, truthfully. I believe they have potential. Any dealings they've had has been very good."