Saudi Arabia: US President Trump to visit Riyadh May 20

Event

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Riyadh on Saturday, May 20, as his first stop on an overseas tour. Trump is scheduled to meet with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, hold bilateral meetings, and sign several agreements to "further solidify US-Saudi security and economic cooperation." Trump will also hold meetings with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and inaugurate a new center to "fight radicalism and promote moderation." The trip is an attempt to foster better relations with Muslim majority countries. 

Security will be tight throughout Riyadh, and transportation disruptions are to be expected.

Context

President Trump has had a rocky relationship with Saudi Arabia since coming into power in January 2017 and has stated that the US will no longer protect the kingdom for "peanuts." Trump's visit on Saturday is widely seen as an attempt to reset relations and foster better cooperation between the two countries, who are involved in several joint endeavors including a controversial US-backed Saudi war in Yemen.

During his nine-day trip, Trump is also scheduled to visit Israel, Italy, and Belgium. 

Advice

Individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised to remain vigilant and to expect increased security measures, potential border closures, and travel delays.