Donald Trump Plans Saudi Arabia Visit to Secure Major Business Investments

President Trump announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia to secure a $1 trillion investment deal, emphasizing business as his main objective. This visit continues his history of close relations with the kingdom, which has significant geopolitical implications.

United States President Donald Trump announced his plans to visit Saudi Arabia, signaling his intention to secure a significant investment deal from the kingdom, which has become crucial for U.S. diplomacy concerning Russia and Ukraine. When queried about a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump reiterated his trip to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the primary motive was business rather than diplomatic engagements.

During a press briefing, Trump expressed, “I’m going to Saudi Arabia” but did not disclose a specific date for the visit. He elaborated on his expectations, indicating, “I said, I’ll go if you pay a trillion dollars, $1 trillion to American companies, (spreading) the purchase over a four-year period, of a trillion dollars,” referencing the duration of his presidency. This implies that an agreement has been tentatively reached with Saudi officials.

Trump previously selected Saudi Arabia as his first international destination after assuming office in 2017, valuing the kingdom’s promise of $450 billion in American product purchases. He has established strong commercial relationships in the region, with his organization announcing plans for a Trump Tower in Jeddah in December. Notably, during his last term, Trump defended Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, linking his support to Saudi defense contracts.

The tenure of former President Joe Biden was marked by a commitment to impose consequences on the crown prince over human rights issues; however, his administration later sought to cultivate relations with Saudi Arabia, including drafting a defense agreement while encouraging recognition of Israel by the kingdom. Trump’s administration is also determined to expedite efforts to convince Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, which would signify a groundbreaking development given the country’s status as a guardian of the two holiest sites in Islam.

In summary, President Donald Trump’s forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is primarily motivated by potential business investments totaling approximately $1 trillion over four years. His ties with the nation, established during his previous term, highlight the interplay between economic interests and international relations. This makes the proposed deal crucial for both American economic interests and the evolving diplomatic landscape in the Middle East.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com