Trump decides where he makes his first foreign visit: Axios reveals details
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump plans to visit Saudi Arabia. This will be his first foreign trip after returning to the White House, reports Axios.
According to sources, the potential trip has been discussed in recent weeks between senior US officials and their Saudi counterparts. Talks have specifically taken place on the sidelines of negotiations on the war in Ukraine, which were held in Saudi Arabia.
A source familiar with the plans revealed that one of the dates being considered for the visit was April 28, but it was postponed. An American official and another source familiar with the matter stated that Trump now plans to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May.
"An opportunity for international travel for the President is something that is being looked at. We don't yet have a specific plan, and we will provide that information when it is official," said a White House spokesperson.
The official clarified that the discussions during this trip would focus on foreign investments, strengthening relations with Gulf countries, and efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East.
It remains unclear whether Trump will meet with the leaders of Arab countries in the region in Saudi Arabia, as he did in May 2017, or if he will travel to other countries in the region afterward. Israeli officials stated that the White House has not yet discussed a possible visit by Trump to Israel as part of the same trip.
Axios also highlighted that Saudi Arabia is actively assisting the US in mediating a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. A source familiar with the planned trip revealed that the Saudis want the US president’s visit to take place after a ceasefire is achieved in Ukraine.
Axios reminded that Trump’s first foreign trip during his previous presidential term was also to Saudi Arabia. The current decision for the US president to return there for his first overseas visit underscores the close ties between the Trump administration and Gulf countries, particularly when it comes to economic cooperation and investments.
Possible meeting between Trump and Putin
A week and a half ago, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia could not be ruled out. However, he added that there are no concrete details yet.
