Trump kicks off first overseas tour in second term in Riyadh
US President Donald Trump is scheduling busy activities after landing in Riyadh on Tuesday, kicking off his first overseas tour in his second term.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Trump at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as the US Air Force One, escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets shortly before touchdown, landed in the morning local time.
The US president's tour will include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and a mix of urgent diplomacy on Gaza catastrophe with huge business deals.
The landing in Saudi Arabia mirrors Trump's debut overseas trip in his first term in May 2017. But on that occasion he also visited Israel, whereas this time Israel is not on the itinerary.
Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince are set to engage in a packed schedule of events today and tomorrow, holding talks on both investment and regional security issues ranging from Syria and Gaza to Iran, according to Arab News.
The pace continues tomorrow, with Trump scheduled to meet leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and broaden discussions on key regional concerns, Saudi Gazette reported.
At a Saudi Cabinet meeting on Monday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnership and deepen cooperation between the two countries in line with their shared interests and visions.
