The Latest on President Donald Trump’s first trip abroad (all times local) :
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – The Latest on President Donald Trump’s first trip abroad (all times local) : 11: 04 a.m. President Donald Trump is preparing for a busy day of meetings in Saudi Arabia. The president, first lady Melania Trump and top White House aides touched down Saturday morning in Riyadh. It’s the first stop of a nine-day, multi-country tour. The president began his visit with a coffee ceremony with King Salman of Saudi Arabia. He’ll participate later in an arrival ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court and a luncheon banquet, followed by a bilateral meeting with the king, a signing ceremony and a meeting with the Deputy Crown Prince. Saturday night, he’ll attend a royal banquet at Murabba Palace followed by a tour of the National Museum. ___ 10: 25 a.m. President Donald Trump and King Salman of Saudi Arabia met briefly for a coffee ceremony after the president’s arrival Saturday in Riyadh. Trump and Salman spoke through an interpreter inside the airport terminal after the president stepped off Air Force One. Trump and his motorcade then made their way to his hotel for a few hours of downtime before beginning the day’s meetings. The nation offered Trump an elaborate welcome. Billboards featuring the image of Trump and the king dotted the highways of Riyadh and lights bathed Trump’s luxury hotel in red, white and blue lights and, at times, an image of the president’s face. First Lady Melania Trump wore a black pantsuit with a golden belt and did not cover her head, consistent with custom for foreign dignitaries visiting Saudi Arabia ___ 10: 06 a.m. President Donald Trump is stepping off Air Force One in Saudi Arabia to begin his first international trip since taking office. Trump waved as he stood atop stairs that had been rolled to the side of the official presidential aircraft as it landed at Riyadh’s airport. He was joined by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump was greeted by King Salman of Saudi Arabia. They exchanged a handshake and Trump said it was “a great honor” to be there. Several jets also flew overhead leaving a red, white and blue trail. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told reporters on the plane that Trump spent the flight meeting with staff, working on his upcoming speech to the Muslim world and getting a little sleep. ___ 9: 43 a.m. President Donald Trump is opening his first trip abroad since taking office, touching down in Saudi Arabia after an overnight flight from Washington. Trump’s visit is aimed at building stronger partnerships to combat terrorism in the region. He’s also hoping to move past the controversies engulfing his administration. Trump flew to Riyadh overnight on Air Force One. He’s the only American president to make Saudi Arabia, or any majority Muslim country, his first stop overseas as president. The scheduling choice is designed in part to show respect to the region after months of harsh anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric. Trump will also travel to Israel, have an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, and attend the NATO summit in Brussels and the Group of 7 meeting in Sicily. Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
