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Trump's Riyadh visit highlights: Over $400 billion in deals, Syria sanctions lifted
Trump’s tour includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, with a focus on forging new economic partnerships and advancing US strategic interests
- PUBLISHED: Tue 13 May 2025, 10:25 PM
- By:
- Web Desk
US President Donald Trump has embarked on what the White House is calling a "historic" diplomatic tour of the Middle East, aiming to make a lasting impact on the region. This marks Trump’s first international trip since beginning his second term in office, and all eyes are on what he hopes to accomplish.
Trump’s visit includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, with a focus on forging new economic partnerships and advancing US strategic interests.
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Notably, this isn't Trump’s first high-profile Middle East visit. Eight years ago, he made headlines during his initial presidential term with a visit to Riyadh, where he famously posed with the leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia under a glowing orb — a moment that quickly went viral.
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Today, his return to Riyadh signals both continuity and change. Below are the key highlights from the first leg of his regional tour:
1. $142-billion US-Saudi defence deal signed
During Trump's visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, the US signed a massive defence agreement with Saudi Arabia valued at nearly $142 billion. According to a White House fact sheet, the deal represents the largest defence cooperation agreement in US history.
The agreement covers deals with more than a dozen US defence companies in areas including air and missile defence, air force and space advancement, maritime security and communications, the fact sheet said.
2. Over $300 billion in deals signed
In addition to defence, broader economic cooperation was on display. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that the two nations signed agreements totalling more than $300 billion as part of an investment push.
Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, the Crown Prince said, “Today we hope for investment opportunities worth $600 billion, including deals worth $300 billion that were signed during this forum.”
3. Meeting with Syria leader Ahmad Al Shara confirmed
In a diplomatic move closely watched by regional observers, President Trump is scheduled to meet Syrian leader Ahmad Al Shara on Wednesday, May 14. The meeting, pushed for by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey—nations supportive of Syria’s new leadership — marks a significant moment in US-Syria relations.
Although the idea of such a meeting had been under consideration for weeks, some officials expressed skepticism about whether it would actually happen. However, the White House has now confirmed the plan, signalling a possible shift in US engagement with Damascus.
4. Trump lifts sanctions on Syria
In a surprise announcement, President Trump declared the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, a move sought by the new leader whom he plans to see in Riyadh.
"I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness," Trump said to applause in a speech in Riyadh.
According to the White House, the president’s encounter with Shara — once detained by the US during the Iraq conflict — will proceed as planned during the Riyadh visit.
(with inputs from Reuters)
