Join our good against evil war on Islamist terrorism, Trump tells Arab leaders

Mr Trump frequently attacked Muslims on his campaign trail last year and tried to ban many from entering the United States.

He delivered his speech at an Arab Islamic American Summit in front of more than 40 leaders of Muslim nations.

He said: “Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land. The nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them.”

Mr Trump, who has received a warm welcome from Arab leaders on his first foreign tour as president, set aside his campaign rhetoric about Muslims and focused on his Donald Trump joining in a sword dance with Saudi King Salman, third left, at the weekend desire to crack down on Iran’s influence in the region.

The US and Gulf Arab countries have agreed to co-ordinate their efforts against the financing of terrorist groups, a key White House objective.

At a royal banquet on Saturday night after signing a multi-billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia, Mr Trump walked into a colourful spectacle as men in ceremonial dress and carrying swords chanted in unison to beating drums in a courtyard.

Mr Trump, clearly enjoying himself, smiled and swayed and managed a little dance at the centre of the group.

His welcome in the region Trump with wife Melania in Riyadh was put on display during a series of individual meetings with Arab leaders.

He praised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, telling him: “You have done a tremendous job under trying circumstances.”

Mr Trump promised to visit Egypt soon and he singled out the Egyptian’s choice of footwear, a pair of shiny black shoes. He said: “Love your shoes. Boy, those shoes.”

Reinforcing his theme of economic deals, Mr Trump told Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani they would discuss “lots of beautiful military equipment because nobody makes it like the United States”.