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Upon his arrival in Riyadh, US President Donald Trump received a ceremonial escort from six Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets as Air Force One approached King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday. This symbolic gesture underscored the strengthening ties between Washington and Riyadh amid a high-stakes diplomatic visit.
The escort was prominently highlighted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, who posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Saudi warplanes accompanying the presidential aircraft during its final approach. “Thank you for the escort, and for having President Trump’s back – we all appreciate it. See you on the ground shortly, THANK YOU!!!” Scavino wrote, expressing gratitude for the display of military support and coordination.
Margo Martin, a senior White House official, also shared footage of the F-15s on social media, captioning it, “Saudi F-15s providing honorary escort for Air Force One!” The video quickly gained traction online, symbolizing the significant attention given to Trump’s visit by the Saudi leadership.
Upon touchdown at King Khalid International Airport, Trump was personally welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The ceremonial reception was marked by a grand display of pomp and circumstance, with a guard of honour flanking a purple carpet – a gesture reserved for the kingdom’s most esteemed guests.
Inside the airport, the two leaders engaged in a brief conversation as they proceeded to a reception area, adorned with massive portraits of King Salman, Crown Prince MBS, and the kingdom’s founding monarch. The leaders sat on gilded chairs and were served traditional Arabic coffee, symbolizing the Saudi culture’s hospitality and respect.
Following the reception, Trump was escorted to the Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, where further talks were scheduled to take place. The palace, a symbol of royal opulence, featured intricate marble corridors and vast halls adorned with gold-embellished wooden doors. Trump and MBS walked through the palace before arriving at a grand reception hall lit by colossal chandeliers.
During a joint address, Trump praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership, particularly its modernization efforts under MBS. “Critics doubted it was possible, but over the past eight years, Saudi Arabia has proved the critics totally wrong,” Trump remarked, alluding to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil.
Trump’s praise for MBS was effusive. “I like him a lot. I like him too much,” he stated, a comment that highlighted the close rapport between the two leaders. Trump also described Saudi Arabia as “the center of the world,” underscoring the strategic significance he placed on the bilateral relationship.
The US President further announced that, at the request of MBS and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he was lifting sanctions on Syria – a move likely to draw scrutiny from critics who argue that Trump’s foreign policy heavily favours autocratic regimes in the region.
The visit comes at a critical time for US-Saudi relations, particularly as the kingdom seeks to project an image of stability and power amid regional tensions. Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria and his declaration that he was doing it “for the crown prince” underscored the transactional nature of the diplomatic exchange, one that critics argue prioritizes personal relationships over strategic policy considerations.
The ceremonial escort of Air Force One by Saudi fighter jets was more than a diplomatic gesture; it was a clear message to the international community of Saudi Arabia’s intent to maintain strong ties with the US amidst shifting global dynamics. The reception also emphasized MBS’s desire to present himself as a dominant regional leader capable of orchestrating such high-profile diplomatic overtures.
Trump’s warm reception and his praise of MBS highlight the ongoing efforts to strengthen US-Saudi ties, even as the US President faces criticism at home over his perceived endorsement of authoritarian leaders. The visit is expected to further cement the strategic alliance between Washington and Riyadh, particularly as Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its influence in the Gulf and beyond.
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