Trump’s Saudi visit planned for mid-May: Axios sources

Trump’s Saudi visit planned for mid-May: Axios sources
Trump made Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit during his first term as president. (AFP/File)
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Updated 31 March 2025
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Trump’s Saudi visit planned for mid-May: Axios sources

Trump’s Saudi visit planned for mid-May: Axios sources
  • The Kingdom would be the US President’s first international destination since taking office in January

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is planning to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May on his first foreign trip of his second term, Axios reported on Sunday, citing two US officials and a source with knowledge of the president's travel.
Saudi Arabia has been taking a more prominent role in US foreign policy. The country has hosted talks between the US and Russia and Ukraine as Trump seeks a ceasefire to the war and the White House has singled out the country as a possible participant in the Abraham Accords.

Trump said earlier this month he would likely make his first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia. He said on March 6 he would probably travel there in the next month and a half. He noted the first overseas trip of his first term was to Riyadh in 2017.

One source said April 28 was discussed as a potential date for the visit but was postponed, while an official and a source familiar said the current plan is for Trump to travel to Saudi Arabia in mid-May, according to Axios.

The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while no official announcement or confirmation was made from the Saudi side regarding the potential dates of the visit.


Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call
Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.

They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.


Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians

Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians
Updated 15 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians

Saudi deputy minister and UNRWA chief discuss KSA’s ongoing support for Palestinians
  • The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people, according to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.

The two men also discussed aspects of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNRWA.

Separately, Elkhereiji met with the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Neil Crompton, and they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as prominent developments in the regional and international arenas.

 


RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
Updated 08 April 2025
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RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system
  • US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
  • Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities

RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.

The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.

The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.

The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.


Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
Updated 08 April 2025
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Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands
  • Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
  • Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.

The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.

This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.

Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.

Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.

On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.


Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
Updated 08 April 2025
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Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis
  • Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
  • Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.

This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.