Tuesday 13 / May / 2025
An opulent welcome is awaiting the US president when he arrives in the oil-rich monarchy.
There is also the prospect of $1 trillion (€900 billion) in arms deals and AI investments.
But one of Trump's major goals, the normalization of Israel-Saudi relations seems to be off the table for now.
The Abraham Accords, set up by Trump in his first term, sought to bring about Israel's official recognition by Arab states, some of which have already made the move.
However, Saudi Arabia has said that ending the war in Gaza and a credible path to Palestinian statehood are prerequisites for any advancement on this issue.
The monarchy's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had been close to signing a defense pact with the US in exchange for recognizing Israel before October 7.
Hamas' attacks on Israel that day are seen, in large part, as being an attempt to foil that deal.
The US will also be hoping to wield its influence in the region to push back increasing involvement by China and Chinese capital in the kingdom.
Rubio talks to leaders from Europe, Ukraine about 'way forward for ceasefire'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has discussed the "way forward for a ceasefire" in Ukraine with European foreign ministers.
The State Department said in a statement that the foreign ministers of Germany, Britain, France, Poland and Ukraine were on the call, as well as the EU's foreign policy chief.
It remains unclear if Ukraine-Russia talks in Turkey, as proposed by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, are to take place.
Earlier on Monday, Trump offered to join the prospective talks following his trip to the Middle East.
The US State Department has authorized two arms deals with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The combined deals, which include sales of military aircraft and equipment, are worth around $1.4 billion (€1.3 billion).
One proposed sale involves six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and other equipment, the State Department Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in a statement on Monday.
