Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia early Tuesday and was warmly greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first tour focused on international relations. The agenda heavily features business discussions, especially with Qatar and the UAE.
This four-day diplomatic visit marks Trump’s first significant overseas trip in his second term, and the White House anticipates a “historic return” to the region.
Saudi fighters accompanied Air Force One as Trump landed in Riyadh.
The Saudi royal family has organized an elaborate welcome for the 78-year-old billionaire.
The president is scheduled to participate in a summit with Gulf Arab leaders on Tuesday before continuing on to Qatar.
Trump’s visit follows his announcement on Monday that he is willing to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari leader.
“According to White House sources, the primary focus for the president will be on ‘trading,’ as noted by Daniel B. Shapiro, a fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump intends to convey a message that “extremism can be overcome through commercial and cultural exchanges.”
The Gulf nations are being positioned as crucial diplomatic allies throughout Trump’s second term.
Doha remains a key player in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, while Saudi Arabia is spearheading talks regarding the war in Ukraine.
