Trump Plans First Foreign Trip to Saudi Arabia in May
President Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May, marking his first foreign trip since returning to office, similar to his previous first trip abroad. The discussions will focus on investments and Middle East relations, amid stalled Israeli-Saudi normalization plans.
United States President Donald Trump is planning to embark on a visit to Saudi Arabia in mid-May, marking his inaugural foreign trip since resuming his presidency. This visit is noteworthy as it mirrors his first foreign trip during his previous term, which also took place in Saudi Arabia around the same period. According to Axios, which cited two US officials and an informed source, there have not been discussions regarding any stops in Israel during this trip.
A Trump administration representative indicated that preparations for the Saudi Arabia visit are active. A White House official stated, “An opportunity for international travel for the President is something that is being looked at. We don’t yet have a specific plan, and we will provide that information when it is official.” The discussions will reportedly emphasize foreign investments, strengthening ties with Gulf nations, and efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The visit’s planning was reportedly finalized during recent discussions between senior US officials and their Saudi counterparts, which also covered the war in Ukraine. Trump’s choice to revisit Saudi Arabia for his first foreign engagement illustrates a revived focus on relationships with Gulf countries. However, plans for Israeli-Saudi normalization appear to be delayed, as Riyadh insists that these plans must prioritize Palestinian statehood.
On March 6, Trump remarked in the Oval Office that he would likely travel to Saudi Arabia within approximately six weeks, though at that time the visit was not confirmed. He stated, “I am going to Saudi Arabia. Normally you would go to the UK first. Last time I went to Saudi Arabia. They put up 450 billion dollars. This time I said I will go if you put up a trillion dollars to American companies. Meaning the purchase over four years of a trillion dollars. They agreed to do that. So I am gonna be going there.”
In summary, President Trump plans to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May as his first foreign trip of his second term, mirroring his initial departure during his previous presidency. The trip aims to enhance foreign investments and strengthen relationships with Gulf nations while addressing Middle East conflict. Additionally, plans for Israeli-Saudi normalization remain stalled. As discussions progress, the specifics of the visit will be announced.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
