WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised US defence sales to Saudi Arabia as a boost to American jobs, even as lawmakers criticised Riyadh’s role in the war in Yemen where a humanitarian crisis has unfolded.

In Oval Office talks, Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman discussed an agreement last year for $200 billion worth of Saudi investments with the United States, including large purchases of US military equipment. Trump said the military sales contributed to the creation of 40,000 American jobs.

The talks were part of the first visit by the prince to the United States since he became the heir apparent last June to succeed King Salman. Prince Mohammed has consolidated power and is likely to rule for many decades if he succeeds his father.

Trump produced charts to show the depth of Saudi purchases of US military hardware, ranging from ships to missile defence to planes and fighting vehicles.

“The relationship now is probably as good as it’s really ever been and I think will probably only get better. Tremendous investments made in our country and that means jobs for our workers”, Trump told reporters during a picture-taking session with the crown prince.

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