Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – May 13, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the start of his first official overseas trip of his second term. He was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
Air Force One touched down in the Saudi capital at approximately 9:50 a.m. local time, escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets. The arrival set the tone for a significant visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Crown Prince and President Trump exchanged warm greetings during a brief reception at the airport’s royal lounge, where they shared traditional Saudi Arabic coffee. The welcoming ceremony was followed by discussions highlighting the cooperation between Riyadh and Washington across various sectors.
On Monday, the Saudi Cabinet, chaired by the Crown Prince, had already expressed its enthusiasm for the visit, calling it an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and align the two countries’ strategic interests.
Trump’s trip carries notable historical significance, as it echoes his first-term overseas debut in 2017 when Riyadh was his inaugural foreign destination. That visit saw a series of major agreements signed between Saudi Arabia and the U.S., cementing trade and defense partnerships.
During his stay, Trump is scheduled to attend a high-profile U.S.-Saudi investment conference, highlighting economic collaborations between the two nations. Later in the day, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to host Trump for a formal state dinner at the Royal Court, attended by senior officials and dignitaries.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, Trump’s regional tour will extend to the UAE and Qatar, with potential discussions on a range of diplomatic and economic issues. Notably, the Israeli conflict in Gaza is expected to be a central point of discussion. In a sign of progress, U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was released to the Red Cross just as Trump boarded Air Force One, signaling active negotiations.
Regarding international affairs, Trump hinted at possible diplomatic talks in Türkiye on the Ukraine-Russia war. He suggested that if momentum builds on peace discussions, he could extend his tour to Istanbul for negotiations involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While Trump’s trip focuses primarily on strengthening U.S.-Gulf relations, his decision to bypass traditional Western allies reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape. His engagement with Middle Eastern leaders reinforces their critical role in global economic and political affairs.
The visit further highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly in resolving the Gaza conflict and nuclear negotiations with Iran, as Trump seeks to balance pressing foreign policy challenges with economic and security partnerships.
