Trump Begins Visit To Gulf States To Strengthen Ties
A screen displays a picture of Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud shaking the hand of U.S. President Donald Trump at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025 in Ritz Carlton Hotel, ahead of the arrival of the U.S. President, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Pesha Magid
By Amirudin Ahmad
RIYADH, May 13 (Bernama) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump's official visit to several Gulf Arab nations is widely seen as an effort to strengthen strategic relations, particularly in the economic sphere, and to consolidate America's regional security role in the Middle East.
Universiti Malaya Foreign Affairs, Security, and Strategy Analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said the choice of Saudi Arabia as the first destination for Trump's visit after commencing his second term in January sends a clear signal that Riyadh is indispensable to Washington at a time when the US is mired in global geopolitics.
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Trump, he said, views Saudi Arabia as the key ally in the Middle East that can guarantee a strong investment.
"For his second term, Trump needs a strong investment pledge from Saudi. We can see how this Saudi government led by Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to increase investment in the US to US$1 trillion within the next four to five years.
'And so it appears important for Trump to gain a return on the investment pledge or capital from Saudi Arabia and also to ensure a win-win situation for both sides," Chong told Bernama.
Chong said that Saudi Arabia should view the visit as a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and secure strategic support from Washington, including in the area of security.
International media reported on Monday that Trump is scheduled to meet with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, and to attend meetings with the leaders of the Gulf states and representatives from the technology and business sectors until May 16.
Prominent business figures, including Elon Musk, are expected to attend the Saudi-US Investment Forum set to take place in Riyadh on May 13.
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