Trump Launches Gulf States Diplomatic Endeavor with Saudi Arabia Visit

ICARO Media Group
Politics
13/05/2025 08h30

**Trump Begins Gulf States Tour with Saudi Arabia Visit**

President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning, marking the beginning of his four-day tour of Gulf states. Stepping off Air Force One at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, he was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a lavender carpet laid out across the tarmac, with an honor guard present.

This visit to Saudi Arabia is particularly notable as it is part of Trump's first major overseas trip since starting his second term. Accompanied by high-ranking officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump met with the crown prince in a luxurious building featuring marble columns and elegant decor.

The significance of Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally greeting President Trump is not lost on observers, especially in light of a previous visit by President Biden in 2022, where he was met with a lower-ranking delegation. This underscores the special regard the Saudi leadership holds for Trump.

As Trump aims to secure deals worth more than $1 trillion during this trip, he continues to strengthen alliances in the Gulf region. Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump is set to travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The last leg of Air Force One's journey to Riyadh was notably escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets, as reported by the White House press pool.

This visit underscores the deep diplomatic ties and mutual interests between the United States and Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for important negotiations and agreements in the coming days.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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