Trump's Middle East tour focuses on regional security
Donald Trump is heading to the Middle East. This marks the first official visit of the U.S. President in this term.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump is heading to the Middle East on Tuesday
- The American President will visit three countries during the trip: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar
- The main theme of the visit is expected to be security
The U.S. President is expected to land in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, followed by visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with the trip concluding on May 16.
U.S.-Gulf relations have significantly improved since Trump returned to office.
From a Middle Eastern perspective, it's time to strengthen ties with Washington and possibly "secure greater privileges in their relationship with the world's most powerful nation," stated Ebtesam AlKetbi, founder and president of the Emirates Policy Center think tank in Abu Dhabi, in an interview.
Security is the goal of the visit
"Security, security, and more security," stated the needs of Saudi Arabia, Ali Shihabi, an author and commentator on Saudi Arabian politics and economics, in an interview with CNN.
"Gulf States are looking for reassurance of the US security commitment to the Gulf’s stability," he added.
