Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with Time magazine, published Friday, his plans to pursue agreements with several countries, including Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would soon join the so-called “Abraham Accords” — the normalisation agreements between certain Arab states and the Israeli occupation, brokered during his first term.
Earlier this month, the White House announced that Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia in May, marking his first foreign trip in his second term.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing that the President would travel to Saudi Arabia, noting that further details would be disclosed once arrangements were finalised.
In previous remarks, Trump had hinted that his first overseas trip would focus on the Middle East, suggesting it would occur in the coming month or shortly thereafter. He also mentioned the possibility of visiting Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, praising UAE leadership under Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and underscoring the importance of relations with Gulf nations.
Trump recalled that Saudi Arabia was among his first destinations during his previous presidency, highlighting the Kingdom’s agreement to purchase American goods, including military equipment, worth $450 billion. He added that this time, Riyadh had pledged nearly $1 trillion in investments within U.S. companies, which he said would create thousands of American jobs.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier congratulated Trump on his electoral victory in a phone call, conveying the congratulations of King Salman and reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s desire to strengthen its investments and commercial ties with the United States, with deals estimated at $600 billion and expected to rise.
According to the American news outlet Axios, the visit had been under discussion in recent weeks between American and Saudi officials, held on the sidelines of talks regarding the Ukraine war hosted in Riyadh.
The outlet, citing informed sources, stated that the initial date for the visit was set for April 28 but was postponed to mid-May at Saudi Arabia’s request to allow for a potential ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Sources at the White House indicated that the visit’s agenda would centre on boosting foreign investments, deepening Gulf relations, and exploring pathways to resolve conflicts across the Middle East. Specific details regarding meetings and topics, however, remain undisclosed.
Saudi Arabia is currently hosting negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at achieving a ceasefire — a context that, according to observers, adds diplomatic significance to Trump’s upcoming visit.
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