US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to travel to Saudi Arabia in the next month and a half, according to news agencies. His visit is expected to focus on diplomatic discussions with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump-Putin Meeting Speculation
Trump has stated that he anticipates meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia but has not confirmed whether it will happen during this visit. The potential meeting could influence ongoing geopolitical discussions, including negotiations related to the Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s Strong Ties with Saudi Leadership
Following his inauguration, Trump’s first call with a foreign leader was to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the strategic relationship between the two nations. Notably, during his first term, Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his first international stop, marking a significant shift in diplomatic tradition.
Key Discussions on Bilateral and Regional Issues
The Saudi Crown Prince recently highlighted that his country has numerous topics to discuss with the United States, including bilateral relations, regional stability, and economic cooperation. These discussions are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future US-Saudi ties.
US-Saudi Talks on Ukraine
On February 17, Mohammed bin Salman met with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh ahead of discussions on the Ukraine conflict. Trump later expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia hosting these talks, acknowledging the Kingdom's role in facilitating diplomatic efforts.
Trump Praises Saudi Arabia’s Role in Global Diplomacy
On February 20, Trump thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for making Riyadh the venue for US-Russian talks, referring to Saudi Arabia as a “special place with special leaders.” His remarks came during the FII Priority summit in Miami last month, where he underscored the significance of negotiations held in Riyadh for resolving the Ukraine crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in International Affairs
The Kingdom’s role in hosting high-profile diplomatic meetings demonstrates its increasing influence on global affairs. The upcoming visit by Trump is expected to further strengthen US-Saudi relations and foster new economic and political partnerships.
