DONALD Trump has landed in Riyadh to kickstart the first leg of his three-nation visit to the Middle East this week.
Don was seen getting out of his Air Force One before receiving a grand welcome from Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The crown prince is expected to fete Trump with a formal dinner and a gathering of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Expected countries at the dinner will include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump is expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more during his time in Saudi Arabia.
It comes after Trump accepted a luxury plane dubbed the “flying palace” as a gift from Qatar’s royal family.
This elaborate gift, which was expected to be announced this week, could be the most expensive ever given by a foreign power to the United States.
The $400 million (£300 million) jumbo jet will be available to be used as a new “Air Force One” for much of Trump’s remaining term in office.
After this, it would be transferred Trump Presidential Library Foundation by 2029, according to US media reports.
The gift was expected to be announced this week during the president’s visit to Qatar, but Trump appeared to confirm it on social media.
Trump has mentioned the possibility of traveling to Turkey on Thursday for potential in-person discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This would be Trump’s second official trip abroad since becoming president. His first trip was to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral. The timing of this potential trip is significant given the current geopolitical tensions.
Along with seeking a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, the Trump administration is also advocating for a fresh aid plan for the embattled Gaza region and is encouraging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a new ceasefire agreement in that area.
Over the weekend, US and Iranian negotiators met in Oman to discuss a potential deal to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump has threatened military action against Iran if diplomacy fails.
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Trump kicks off his Middle East tour
Trump begins a multi-nation tour of the Gulf region focused on expanding economic ties and reinforcing security cooperation with key US allies.
Trump is expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: AP -
Saudi prince greets Trump
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes President Trump to the kingdom as the US leader begins a four-day Middle East tour.
The crown prince is also expected to fete Trump with a formal dinner and a gathering of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates later on Tuesday.
Credit: AP 
Credit: AP -
Trump seen getting out of Air Force One
Credit: AP
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Fighter jets escort Air Force One
Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia.
Credit: AP 
Credit: AP -
Carpet rolled out for Trump
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Donald Trump lands in Riyadh
Donald Trump has just landed in Saudi Arabia to kick off his pivotal three-day tour of the Middle East.
Credit: Reuters 
Credit: Reuters
