President Trump was given a warm welcome in Saudi Arabia by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he began his multiday Middle East trip.
Prince Mohammed greeted Mr. Trump as he exited Air Force One. The plane was given an escort as it approached by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s.
The two world leaders walked down a lavender carpet into a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where traditional Arabic coffee was served. The crown prince sat next to Mr. Trump and chatted as they drank the coffee.
“When Saudis and Americans join forces, very good things happen — more often than not, great things happen,” Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih said as the president arrived.
Mr. Trump then headed to the Royal Court, where the president’s protected limousine, The Beast, was escorted by Saudi horsemen carrying American and Saudi flags, for lunch. The two leaders walked down a second lavender carpet to enter the Royal Palace in Riyadh.
There were big American names present for the luncheon, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
The president is expected to participate in a Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum later Tuesday and then a Saudi state dinner.
This is the first stop in the president’s Middle East trip. He is expected to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as well. Deals are expected to be announced on this trip that will involve energy cooperation and artificial intelligence, among others.
• This article was based in part on wire service reports.
