International Desk:
US President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at the start of a four-day visit to the wealthy Gulf region, focusing more on economic deals than regional security matters ranging from war in Gaza to talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
US President Donald Trump has received a royal welcome after arriving in Saudi Arabia, his first stop of a three-day regional tour.
The White House says the two countries inked a $142bn defence sales agreement as part of a $600bn Saudi investment commitment.
“We like each other a lot,” Trump says during talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The two leaders have also met a long list of major US business executives who are also in Riyadh for a Saudi-US investment forum.
After Saudi Arabia, Trump is due to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Princess Reema bint Bandar highlighted the enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US as the president arrives in the Kingdom on Tuesday, his first state visit during his second stint in the White House. “It is a moment pivotal for global peace, security and prosperity,” Princess Reema wrote in the Washington Times on May 12. “Today, as the world navigates new challenges and conflicts, that partnership is more critical than ever.” Princess Reema, who presented her credentials to Trump in 2019 when assuming her role as ambassador, said the two nations’ alliance was “not just history; it is a reimagined future.”
With a who’s who of powerful American business leaders in tow, Trump is visiting Riyadh, site of a Saudi-US Investment Forum, before going to Qatar on Wednesday and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. He has not scheduled a stop in Israel, a decision that has raised questions about where the close ally stands in Washington’s priorities.
“While energy remains a cornerstone of our relationship, the investments and business opportunities in the kingdom have expanded and multiplied many, many times over,” Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih said as he opened the forum.
