RIYADH — US President Donald Trump departed Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a landmark official visit that saw the signing of a strategic economic partnership with the Kingdom, participation in the Saudi–US Investment Forum, Gulf-US Summit, and a historic meeting involving Syria's new leadership. Trump arrived in Qatar on the second leg of his three-nation Gulf tour that will also take him to the United Arab Emirates. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was present at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to see off President Trump, capping off a two-day visit described by both sides as historic in scope and outcome. Trump's visit marked his first official overseas trip during his second term. He was received at the airport on Tuesday morning by the Crown Prince, and the two leaders held multiple high-level engagements throughout the visit. At Al-Yamamah Palace, Trump and the Crown Prince co-chaired the Saudi–U.S. Summit, where they signed the Strategic Economic Partnership between the two governments. The summit addressed bilateral relations and regional security, and resulted in the exchange of numerous agreements and memoranda across key sectors including defense, energy, justice, health, space, and scientific research. The visit also included the U.S.–Gulf Summit, held in Riyadh, where Gulf leaders and Trump reaffirmed the strength of U.S.–GCC strategic ties. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that trade between GCC countries and the U.S. reached nearly $120 billion in 2024, with the U.S. remaining a vital commercial partner. In a diplomatic development, Trump announced the full removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria and began the process of normalizing relations with the new Syrian government. The announcement followed a trilateral meeting hosted by the Crown Prince and attended by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who joined via phone call. The talks emphasized Syrian sovereignty, stability, and reconstruction. Al-Sharaa, who assumed office after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, thanked Trump for lifting sanctions, calling it a pivotal step toward rebuilding Syria. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their diplomatic efforts in support of Syria's reintegration. During the visit, Trump toured Diriyah with the Crown Prince and learned about the area's historical significance and future as a global cultural destination. The president was briefed on Diriyah's development plan and praised Saudi Arabia's transformation. Trump's departure follows a series of high-impact meetings and announcements, solidifying U.S.–Saudi relations, expanding investment and security cooperation, and opening new diplomatic channels in the Middle East.
