Saudi Arabia says Trump visit to enhance cooperation in fighting extremism

WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that an upcoming visit to the kingdom by US President Donald Trump would enhance cooperation between the United States and Muslim countries in the fight against extremism.

Speaking to reporters after the Trump administration said the president would visit Riyadh as well as Israel later this month, Adel Al-Jubeir said Trump had a high probability of succeeding in his efforts to secure a peace deal with Israelis and Palestinians because of his “fresh” approach.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, will be Trump’s initial stop on his first international trip as president. The move signifies the new administration’s intent to reinforce a



relationship with a top ally in the Middle East, where the United States is leading a coalition against Daesh and seeking to counter Iranian influence. Saudi Arabia is part of that coalition.

Describing the visit as historic, Jubeir said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia would include a bilateral summit, a meeting with Arab Gulf leaders and another with leaders of Arab and Muslim countries.

“It’s a clear and powerful message that the US harbors no ill will” toward the Arab and Muslim world, he said. “It also lays to rest the notion that America is anti-Muslim. ... It’s a very clear message to the world that the US and the Arab Muslim countries can form a partnership.”