During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump was granted a rare honor as he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, May 13, marking the beginning of his four-day diplomatic mission in the Middle East.
His visit began with a symbolic and rarely granted gesture of respect.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally greeted Trump upon his arrival in Riyadh.
The 78-year-old statesman was given an aerial escort by Saudi Royal Air Force F-15 fighter jets as Air Force One approached the capital.
A military escort and personal airport reception from the Crown Prince considered an exceptional honour in Saudi protocol.
It is typically reserved for the kingdom’s most trusted and valued allies.
Donald Trump receives uncommon royal welcome during visit to Saudi Arabia for Crown Prince meeting
As Trump stepped onto Saudi soil at King Khalid International Airport, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed him with a handshake.
According to Saudi customs, this type of reception is rarely offered to foreign dignitaries.
It emphasizes the kingdom’s effort to strengthen its relationship with the former U.S. leader.
Shortly after, Trump and his delegation taken to a ceremonial reception hall.
There, attendants in ornate uniforms and ceremonial belts served traditional Arabic coffee, blending hospitality with cultural symbolism.
New agreements strengthen US–Saudi cooperation.
During formal talks, the two leaders signed over a dozen agreements designed to boost bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
These included military coordination, judicial collaboration, and joint initiatives in education and cultural exchange.
Prince Mohammed pledged $600 billion to the U.S., showing strong confidence in the two countries’ ongoing economic cooperation.
Trump emphasized the strong connection between the two nations, stating his belief in mutual respect and cooperation: “I believe we’ve built a strong friendship.”
Trump expresses optimism for the region’s future.
Later, Trump shared a hopeful vision for the Middle East while addressing delegates at the King Abdul Aziz Conference Center.
He envisioned a region known for opportunity, growth, and peace, not conflict, for the first time in centuries.
“Together we have made unprecedented strides and tremendous progress,” adding that ‘the dawn of the bright new day’ awaits the people of the Middle East.
“For the first time in a thousand years the world will look at this region not as a place of turmoil, strife, war and death but as a land of opportunity and hope.” he continued.
He mentioned the “golden age of America” and hoped for a parallel renaissance in the Arab world.
Elon Musk emphasizes technological growth in the Gulf.
Joining Trump on the visit was entrepreneur Elon Musk, representing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk announced Starlink’s approval for aviation and maritime use in Saudi Arabia.
Musk showcased Tesla’s AI advancements, presenting the Optimus humanoid robot prototype to Trump and the Crown Prince.
He proposed introducing autonomous Teslas to modernize Saudi transportation.
“I think it would be very exciting to have autonomous vehicles here in the kingdom, indeed, if you’re amenable,” Musk said.
Cultural celebration concludes diplomatic visit.
Saudi officials held a private dinner for Trump at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO site showcasing the country’s rich history.
The setting underscored a deliberate blend of tradition and modern diplomacy, a theme echoed throughout the visit.
Trump’s Saudi trip emphasizes renewed U.S.–Middle East relations, highlighted by personal diplomacy, tech cooperation, and a shared vision for development.