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Daily Tribune
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Trump Hails Saudi Arabia as "Greatest Nation in the World" at Riyadh Investment Forum
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday lauded Saudi Arabia as "the greatest nation in the world" during his keynote address at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the strategic partnership and shared vision between the two nations. Addressing a distinguished audience at the high-level forum, President Trump praised the Kingdom's leadership, economic diversification efforts, and its expanding influence on the global stage. 'You are among the most prosperous nations in the world,' Trump declared. 'Riyadh will become a global business hub. The future of the Middle East begins here.' Trump offered particular commendation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as a 'tireless leader' and attributing the Kingdom's ongoing transformation to his dynamic leadership. 'He works hard — I don't think he even sleeps at night,' Trump said, also recognizing King Salman's pivotal role in steering regional change. Calling his visit to Saudi Arabia "historic," Trump expressed deep appreciation for the Kingdom's warm reception. 'It is a great honor to be welcomed in Saudi Arabia in this way,' he stated. 'We will make our relationship with Saudi Arabia even stronger.' The U.S. president also acknowledged Saudi Arabia's efforts in facilitating diplomatic dialogues, including its 'constructive role' in ongoing discussions related to Ukraine. He emphasized the need for diplomacy in resolving regional tensions and reiterated his willingness to engage Iran: 'I want to strike a deal with Iran to make the world a safer place.' In a significant policy development, Trump announced that the United States would lift sanctions on Syria following consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 'I decided to lift sanctions on Syria after discussing the matter with the Saudi Crown Prince,' he revealed. On matters of defense and security, Trump reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to its allies. 'Anyone who threatens America and its partners will be met with force,' he asserted. 'I will not hesitate to use military force to defend Saudi Arabia.' The forum marked a new chapter in Saudi–U.S. relations, underscoring both countries' shared interest in regional stability, economic growth, and mutual strategic cooperation.
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Pitches America's ‘Golden Age' to Wealthy Gulf Investors
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—When President Donald Trump arrived in the Saudi capital on May 13, one of his first actions was to address the Gulf's business elite, promoting the United States as a prime destination for investment amid a new era shaped by his 'America First' agenda. Trump made it clear that his three-day tour of the Middle East, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, would be all about making deals. Speaking at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center, Trump commended the kingdom's transformation since his last visit eight years ago. He began his speech by saying, 'I've come this afternoon to talk about the bright future of the Middle East, but first, let me begin by sharing the abundance of good news from a place called America.' He talked about inheriting a border crisis and bringing illegal crossings down to historic lows within weeks, declining inflation, and nearly half a million new jobs being created since he took office. He praised trade deals with the UK and China as major wins, adding that investment in America is up 22 percent in the first quarter and that Congress is close to passing the largest tax and regulatory cuts in U.S. history, underscoring his message that now is the right moment to invest in the United States. Prior to his prepared address, Trump took the stage in a way reminiscent of his 2024 election campaign, with 'God Bless the USA' playing. He then spoke for more than an hour before wrapping up with 'Y.M.C.A.,' the song he frequently used to close his campaign rallies. Related Stories 5/13/2025 5/13/2025 'We are rocking,' Trump told the forum, bringing U.S. and Saudi business executives together. 'The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country, I have to say,' he joked. As in his first term, Trump chose Saudi Arabia for his first state visit, signaling his strategic importance of ties with the oil-rich nation. Seeking to draw multibillion-dollar investments into the United States, Trump turned to the Gulf states, home to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, as ideal partners to advance his economic agenda. During the meetings in Riyadh, the kingdom has committed $600 billion in investments across various U.S. sectors, including AI data centers, aerospace, energy infrastructure, defense, and health care. 'We've launched the Golden Age,' Trump said. 'It's the golden age. We see it, see it with all that money—trillions and trillions of dollars. 'We will be together. We will succeed together.' Investment and Arms Agreements Before his remarks at the investment forum, Trump and the crown prince signed a strategic economic partnership agreement, which includes several memoranda of understanding on energy, mineral resources, and cooperation in defense, justice, space, and infectious diseases. As part of the agreement, Riyadh officials plan to allocate capital to specialized sectors, including a $5 billion Energy Investment Fund and a $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund. In addition, the United States will export billions of dollars' worth of gas turbines, energy solutions, and services. Saudi Arabia is also set to purchase approximately $142 billion in advanced warfighting equipment and services from more than a dozen U.S. defense companies. The White House described the deal as the 'largest defense sales agreement in history.' After taking office, Trump made it clear that his visits abroad would prioritize countries that commit to substantial investment in the United States. The United Arab Emirates has earlier committed to a $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States over the next decade, targeting AI and semiconductor infrastructure, the energy sector, and manufacturing. The UAE will be Trump's third stop during his Middle East tour. Trump touched down in Saudi Arabia with a strong delegation. Accompanying the president were several top officials and advisers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, as well as senior aides Susie Wiles and Stephen Miller. U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman interact with officials during a 'coffee ceremony' at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025. Trump begins a multi-nation tour of the Gulf region focused on expanding economic ties and reinforcing security cooperation with key U.S. Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted Trump upon his arrival at the airport with a ceremonious welcome reminiscent of the warm reception he received during his first term. During his bilateral meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh, Trump joked that his $600 billion investment commitment could be a trillion dollars. 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Trump said. In Riyadh, lavender carpets were rolled out for Trump at every stop. The color, chosen by Saudi Arabia as a national symbol, is inspired by the lavender flowers that blanket the kingdom's deserts each spring. After his arrival, Trump attended a high-level lunch at the Saudi Royal Court with bin Salman. Dozens of U.S. executives also participated in the lunch meeting, underscoring the economic focus of the visit and the potential business deals being negotiated. Prominent guests included Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Companies also announced deals during the investment forum. Nvidia revealed it would sell more than 18,000 of its latest AI chips to Saudi tech firm Humain. Saudi Aramco unveiled a $3.4 billion investment plan to upgrade its Motiva refinery in Texas. Meanwhile, Musk announced that Saudi Arabia approved the use of Starlink for its maritime and aviation sectors. Regional Security During his address to the forum, Trump praised the transformation of Riyadh under the leadership of King Salman and the crown prince, calling it 'truly extraordinary.' Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have shifted from oil-dependent economies to diversified industries, including high tech, Trump said. The president stated that this transition would lead to a future in which the region is 'defined by commerce, not chaos,' and 'exports technology, not terrorism.' 'After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about—a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation, and achievement right here in the Middle East,' he said. He took a shot at 'Western interventionists' who give Arab nations 'lectures on how to live and how to govern.' 'Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders, neocons, or liberal nonprofits like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul, Baghdad, so many other cities,' Trump said. Trump touted the Abraham Accords signed during his first administration, expressing hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the accord. 'It's my fervent hope, wish, and even my dream that Saudi Arabia will soon be joining the Abraham Accords,' Trump said. 'But you'll do it in your own time.' The Abraham Accords were various agreements signed in 2020 to improve relations between Israel and several Arab states, including Bahrain, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. He acknowledged, however, that the Saudis are not prepared to bolster relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Trump pivoted to Iran, striking a tough but cordial tone. He described Iran as 'the biggest and most destructive' force in the region, causing 'unthinking suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, and beyond.' However, as Washington partakes in talks with Iran, Trump said he would offer the Islamic regime 'a new path and a much better path toward a far better and more hopeful future.' 'The time is right now for them to choose,' the president said, alluding to the country's nuclear ambitions. 'Things are happening at a very fast pace, so they have to make their move right now.' In a move that garnered sustained applause, Trump confirmed he would order the cessation of sanctions against Syria. He plans to greet Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara—who led the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December—on May 13. The United States has imposed punishing restrictions on Syria in the wake of a civil war that began in 2011 there. Past presidents have attempted to pressure the government to halt violence against citizens and advocate for political reforms. The new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has past links to terrorist organizations, has vowed to be a moderate leader and pursue diplomatic ties with Western countries. Since obtaining power, al-Sharaa has adopted several reforms that advance free speech, freedom of the press, and women's political and economic rights. He recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron over unwinding sanctions on Damascus.
Saudi Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
At Riyadh forum, Trump hails Saudi Arabia as 'the greatest nation in the world '
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Saudi Arabia as 'the greatest nation in the world,' in remarks at the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh that underscored deepening ties and shared ambitions between Washington and Riyadh. Speaking at the high-profile forum, Trump lauded Saudi Arabia's leadership, economic transformation, and growing role on the world stage. 'You are among the most prosperous nations in the world,' he told the audience, adding, 'Riyadh will become a global business hub. The future of the Middle East begins here.' Trump heaped special praise on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him a tireless leader. 'He works hard — I don't think he even sleeps at night,' the president said, crediting both King Salman and the Crown Prince with leading a 'remarkable and profound transformation in the region.' The president described his visit to the Kingdom as historic, saying: 'It is a great honor to be welcomed in Saudi Arabia in this way,' and pledged to further strengthen U.S.–Saudi ties. 'We will make our relationship with Saudi Arabia even stronger,' he declared. Trump also thanked the Kingdom for its 'constructive role' in facilitating talks on Ukraine and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional tensions. He reiterated his readiness to engage Iran: 'I want to strike a deal with Iran to make the world a safer place.' In a major policy announcement, Trump said the United States would lift sanctions on Syria, citing discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 'I decided to lift sanctions on Syria after discussing the matter with the Saudi Crown Prince,' he revealed. On defense and security, Trump stressed the strength of U.S. commitments to its allies. 'Anyone who threatens America and its partners will be met with force,' he warned. 'I will not hesitate to use military force to defend Saudi Arabia.'
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Lands in Saudi Arabia, Begins High-Stakes Middle East Tour
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday, kicking off the first major overseas trip of his second term. The White House has described the visit as the president's 'historic return to the Middle East,' with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 13 to May 16. As in his first term, Trump has chosen Saudi Arabia for his first state visit, signaling the strategic importance he places on ties with Gulf nations. His visit comes amid regional tensions and significant global developments, including the conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group, recent tensions between India and Pakistan, and potential Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul that could alter his itinerary. Trump is expected to announce a series of major investment deals aimed at drawing Gulf capital into critical U.S. sectors such as defense, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). He will also hold meetings focused on pressing regional issues, including the ongoing Gaza conflict, the future of displaced Palestinians, and Iran's nuclear ambitions. Traveling with the president are several top officials and advisors, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, as well as senior aides Susie Wiles and Stephen Miller. Before Trump's departure to the Middle East, markets surged on May 12 after the United States and China agreed to temporary tariff reductions, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping more than 1,100 points. Additionally, the president Major Investment and Defense Deals On his first day in Riyadh, Trump will hold a bilateral meeting with bin Salman before attending the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum. The forum will bring together top U.S. and Saudi business leaders to explore new investment opportunities. On his second day in Riyadh, Trump is expected to attend a summit with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia recently pledged to invest Trump announced on Monday that Qatar will donate a luxury plane to be used as the new Air Force One. When asked about the gift, Trump told reporters it was a 'great gesture.' 'I appreciate it very much. I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer,' he said. He added that the plane will 'go directly' to his presidential library after he leaves office. The president is also expected to announce major arms deals, including a proposed $100 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia, alongside significant weapons sales to Qatar. Regional Diplomacy and a Possible Turkey Stop Trump is expected to travel to Doha on May 14 following his meetings in Riyadh, then to Abu Dhabi on May 15. However, his schedule remains flexible. Trump suggested he may fly to Turkey to attend a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. 'There's a possibility of it, I guess,' Trump told reporters on Monday, adding that he would go 'if I thought it would be helpful.' While media speculation has hinted at a possible meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, an administration official told The Epoch Times that no such meeting is planned. Still, Trump indicated he may consider lifting sanctions on Syria that were imposed during the Assad regime. 'We're going to have to make a decision on the sanctions, which we may very well relieve,' Trump told reporters before heading to the Middle East. 'We may take them off of Syria because we want to give them a fresh start.' Trump also expressed hope that more hostages held by Hamas would be released during his trip. 'We hope that we're going to have other hostages released, too,' Trump said, estimating that about 20 living hostages may still be held by Hamas.
