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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will travel to the Middle East in May.
Leavitt revealed that the president is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates beginning May 13.
“He will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 until May 15,” she stated.
Leavitt also noted the president’s plans to meet with Norway’s leader at the White House.
“On Thursday of this week, President Trump will welcome the Norwegian Prime Minister at the White House for a working visit,” she added.
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince told President Trump in January that he plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) made the comments during a phone call with Trump, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the agency reported.
The crown prince also reportedly spoke with newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday.
According to the Associated Press, Trump also commented at the time about the possibility of visiting Saudi Arabia as his first international trip.
“The first foreign trip typically has been with the U.K. but … I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our products,” Trump told journalists in the Oval Office. “If Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 billion or $500 — we’ll up it for all the inflation — I think I’d probably go.”
Last month, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said U.S. officials were expected to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia for peace talks.
“We are now in discussion to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh or even potentially Jeddah,” Witkoff told reporters outside the White House ahead of the meetings.
“So the city is moving around a little bit, but it will be Saudi Arabia. And I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.”