Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh
Riyadh, May 13: US President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday, beginning his first major international tour of his second term with a grand reception in the Saudi capital, underlining the renewed strategic partnership between Washington and the Kingdom.
In a show of royal pomp, Trump descended the steps of Air Force One onto a purple carpet, where he was warmly received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders shared a cordial greeting on the tarmac before walking together, engaging briefly with senior Saudi officials.
Inside the airport, Trump and the crown prince were seated in ornate purple chairs with golden trim beneath towering portraits of the Saudi royal family. The setting reflected the Kingdom’s intent to welcome the American president with high honours, signalling a new chapter of diplomatic affirmation.
Top members of the Trump administration — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright — were present, each seated across from their Saudi counterparts in matching regal chairs, underscoring the high-level nature of the visit.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has become a close Trump ally since the president’s first term, played a central role in orchestrating the welcome. Bin Salman has been actively involved in joint US-Saudi diplomatic efforts, including mediation attempts to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. His early and enthusiastic congratulatory message to Trump upon his swearing-in in January was seen as a sign of continued alignment between the two powers.
By selecting Riyadh as the first destination of his renewed global engagement, Trump has sent a strong message: the US seeks to reassert ties with the oil-rich Gulf state, despite past controversies. The visit marks Saudi Arabia’s return to the global fold after enduring diplomatic isolation in the wake of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s killing in 2018.
Trump's itinerary in the region is expected to include discussions on energy cooperation, regional security, and arms deals, as well as multilateral talks on the Middle East peace process.
The purple carpet, golden chairs, and warm smiles signalled more than just ceremony — they marked a revival of a critical strategic relationship, one that both Trump and Prince Mohammed appear keen to bolster in the evolving geopolitical landscape.