Donald Trump is undertaking an important diplomatic trip to the Middle East, which has significant political and economic implications for both sides
On May 13, 2025, the American president arrived in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where he was met by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — a key figure in the local government and one of the most influential contemporary leaders in the region. This is the first large-scale official visit of a U.S. head of state during Trump's second term, highlighting the importance of partnership with Saudi Arabia in addressing new global challenges and exploring promising investment opportunities. According to the White House press service, the official welcoming ceremony took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where U.S. President Trump was personally received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. White House officials and official channels released videos and photographs showing Donald Trump stepping off the plane, surrounded by high-ranking Saudi officials. The footage also depicts warm diplomatic exchanges and a friendly atmosphere at the meeting, signaling the significance of this event for bilateral relations. According to British broadcaster Sky News, this visit is the most important international diplomatic event for Trump during his second term as U.S. president. A three-day diplomatic mission across the Middle East is planned, including visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. It is expected that during this trip, the focus will be on economic cooperation, signing new contracts, and large-scale investment projects. Reports indicate that Mohammed bin Salman has already pledged to invest approximately 600 billion dollars in joint economic initiatives. This signifies the regional leaders' intention to intensify cooperation with the U.S. in business, technology, and energy sectors. The official Washington and Saudi authorities aim to promote a large investment sector — from infrastructure modernization to developing new industries — which has the potential to transform not only the region but also the global economic landscape. Earlier, according to the U.S. Department of State, Trump has been accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the diplomatic importance of the trip and the seriousness of both sides' intentions to strengthen strategic partnership. It is also noteworthy that this mission takes place in the context of regional political shifts, energy sector changes, and geopolitical balances, where efforts are underway to forge new alliances and resolve conflicts caused by recent crises. It is expected that, beyond the economic dimension, high-level negotiations will be held on security, energy policy, and regional stability. This aligns with Washington’s broader strategic approach to cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the region as a whole, which includes countering Iran, extremism, and promoting increased stability in a region crucial for global security. Thus, Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh is not only a diplomatic gesture but also a deliberate step into a new era of strategic partnership between the United States and one of the key countries of the Middle East. The enthusiasm of foreign political and economic leaders and their support for large-scale investment projects promise new opportunities for cooperation, which, according to experts, will influence regional political and economic dynamics in the coming years.