President Donald Trump recently arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the start of his first major foreign trip of his second term.
President Trump’s decision to pick Saudi Arabia as the first foreign country he visited mirrors that of his first administration, where he similarly chose Saudi Arabia as his first destination.
Besides Saudi Arabia, Trump is also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.
Trump is also reportedly expected to feature in a summit with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Trump’s Saudi agenda centers on securing major investment deals, as Saudi Arabia recently pledged up to $1 trillion in U.S. projects, building on an initial $600 billion commitment.
Additionally, Trump teased he would make a “major announcement” regarding the Middle East’s conflicts during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Trump claimed his announcement will be “really really positive” for the Middle East, which is engulfed in military conflict as Israel and the West battle against Iran and its terrorist proxies across the region.
“It'll be one of the most important announcements that has been made in many years about a certain subject," said Trump.
Upon landing in Saudi Arabia, Trump was greeted with magnanimous pomp and fanfare by the Saudi Royals.
Trump’s visit will include energy negotiations as the US seeks to expand its presence in the international energy market.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright claimed any potential energy deals the US could make would be beneficial.
“Cooperation with our allies abroad will enable MORE energy production through increased LNG export agreements, mutual advancement of technology, and stabilization of global energy supply,” said Secretary Wright.
While Saudi Arabia is largely energy self-dependent, it has recently increased investments in US energy projects.
