Trump to Meet Gulf Leaders in Riyadh to Boost Political and Economic Ties
U.S. President to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE in May Amid Arms Deals, Business Expansions, and Regional Diplomacy
Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with the six leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh during his scheduled visit to the region from May 13 to 16, according to a Saudi government source speaking to AFP on Sunday.
The source, who is familiar with the arrangements and spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Trump will meet the leaders in Riyadh to promote “political and economic cooperation and coordination.”
Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates during the trip, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed last month.
This visit to the Gulf will be Trump’s second international trip since taking office on January 20, following a brief visit to the Vatican last Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis.
The United States maintains strong relations with all Gulf Arab states, including a major military base in Qatar, and Oman continues to mediate U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
For Trump, the Gulf trip carries major economic opportunities. On Friday, the U.S. announced it had approved a $3.5 billion missile deal with Saudi Arabia, involving the sale of 1,000 AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles.
Trump Expands Gulf Business Ties with $600B Saudi Pledge and New Qatar Deal
Trump has touted major business deals with oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has also hosted U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomatic talks.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to boost Saudi-U.S. investments and trade relations to $600 billion.
In a related move, the Trump Organization signed its first real estate development deal in Qatar last Wednesday, which includes building a golf course and luxury villas near the capital, Doha.
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and son of the president, attended the signing ceremony alongside Qatari Diar and its development partner Dar Global.
The Trump Organization has previously partnered with Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi Arabia’s Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development, on projects including a high-rise tower in Jeddah, a luxury building in Dubai, and a resort complex in Oman.
