Together we prevail

The United States and the Arabian Gulf reset their relationship with a historic presidential visit to reinforce the values of security, stability and prosperity

King Salman of Saudi Arabia welcomed Donald Trump to the Arabian Gulf yesterday as the US leader began his first overseas trip as president. Mr Trump waved from the doorway after Air Force One touched down and before descending the staircase with first lady Melania Trump. He exchanged pleasantries with King Salman, and said it was “a great honour” to be there.

Several jets then flew overhead leaving a red, white and blue trail. Soon after, Mr Trump tweeted for the first time on international soil as president: “Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead.” Riyadh laid on a warm welcome for the president. The motto for his visit – “Together we prevail” – is everywhere, from billboards on the streets to hot-air balloons above the city, and there are posters with images of Mr Trump and King Salman. Mr Trump’s hotel was bathed in red, white and blue lights and, at times, an image of the president’s face.

At a ceremony later at the Saudi royal court, the king placed the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the nation’s highest civilian honour, around Mr Trump’s neck, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen ties in the re- gion. It was a moment of profound symbolism, and not a little irony: a president accused of anti-Muslim sentiment, both before and after his election, had stepped off the presidential plane in the land that is home to the Two Holy Mosques, to be greeted and honoured by their Custodian.

But there was substance, too: US and Saudi companies signed agreements yesterday worth more than $350 billion as part of Riyadh’s drive to diversify its economy.

The state oil company Saudi Aramco alone signed $50bn in deals with American companies, and the US conglomerate GE signed $15bn of business deals with Saudi Arabia, involving almost $7bn of goods and services from GE. They ranged from the power and healthcare sectors to the oil and gas industry and mining. Mr Trump also signed a defence cooperation agreement with Riyadh, pledging $110bn immediately and up to $350bn over 10 years.

Today the president will meet GCC leaders before addressing dozens of heads of state from Muslim countries, and inaugurate a centre to monitor Islamist extremist groups online, with a speech intended to rally Muslims in the region against extremism.