DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Saudi Arabia is making every effort to dazzle and impress President Donald Trump on his first overseas trip, seizing on the visit to cement itself as a major player on the world stage and shove aside rival Iran.
The kingdom has arranged a dizzying schedule of events for the two days Trump will be in town, inviting figures as varied as Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, and Bret Baier, a host on the Fox News Channel that is popular with Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s decision to make Saudi Arabia his first overseas stop sends a powerful message to the kingdom: The strained ties that marked U.S.-Saudi relations under President Barack Obama are over.
The kingdom wants Trump to align U.S. interests with Saudi Arabia’s – and is literally counting down the seconds until Trump starts his meetings Saturday. A website for the visit was launched in English, Arabic and French, featuring a countdown clock under the banner: “Together We Prevail.”
“The foundation will be laid for a new beginning” to confront extremist ideology, the website declares, while also touting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – a wide-reaching reform plan launched by King Salman’s ambitious son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to overhaul the economy and restyle the country through greater openings for investment and entertainment .