US President Donald Trump receives Saudi Arabia’s highest honour before US$350bn arms deal announced
White House officials hope the trip marks an opportunity for Trump to recalibrate after one of the most difficult stretches of his young presidency
US President Donald Trump, in the first stop of his maiden trip abroad, received a regal welcome on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, feted by the wealthy kingdom as he aims to forge strong alliances to combat terrorism while pushing past the multiple controversies threatening to engulf his young administration.
The White House later confirmed an arms deal worth US$350 billion over 10 years, with US$110 billion of payments to take effect immediately. The deal was hailed by the White House as “a significant expansion of ... [the] security relationship” between the two nations.
Trump arrived in Riyadh after an overnight flight and was welcomed at elaborate airport ceremony punctuated by a military flyover and a handshake from Saudi King Salman.
He is the only American president to make Saudi Arabia, or any majority Muslim country, his first stop overseas – a choice designed in part to show respect to the region after more than a year of Trump’s harsh anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric.
After two days of meetings there, Trump will travel to Israel, have an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican and meet with allies at a Nato summit in Brussels and the G7 nations in Sicily.
Trump waved from the doorway after Air Force One touched down and before descending the staircase with first lady Melania Trump. The 81-year-old King Salman, who used a cane for support, was brought to the steps of the plane in a golf cart. The leaders exchanged pleasantries and Trump said it was “a great honour” to be there. Several jets then flew overhead leaving a red, white and blue trail.