President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will take place May 13-16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.
Trump would be travelling to the Middle East at a time of ongoing tensions with Iran, the Houthis in Yemen and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The Middle East would have been Trump’s first foreign destination since returning to the White House, but he will be heading to the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia was the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his first term as president, underscoring the importance his administration places on the Kingdom’s regional and international role.
Trump had previously described his ties with the Middle East as “good”. He has constantly hailed the trade relations between the US and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s role in establishing peace and stability in the region.
He has praised it for hosting American diplomatic efforts and facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump has underlined the size of Saudi investments in American companies that amount to nearly $1 billion dollars and has boasted of his strong friendship with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Analysts have said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will be very significant and will witness the signing of several trade and military agreements.
The visit will also highlight Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war, while the US views the UAE as a strategic partner.
