By Amirudin Ahmad
RIYADH, May 13 (Bernama) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump's official visit to several Gulf Arab nations is widely seen as an effort to strengthen strategic relations, particularly in the economic sphere, and to consolidate America's regional security role in the Middle East.
Universiti Malaya Foreign Affairs, Security, and Strategy Analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said the choice of Saudi Arabia as the first destination for Trump’s visit after commencing his second term in January sends a clear signal that Riyadh is indispensable to Washington at a time when the US is mired in global geopolitics.
Trump, he said, views Saudi Arabia as the key ally in the Middle East that can guarantee a strong investment.
"For his second term, Trump needs a strong investment pledge from Saudi. We can see how this Saudi government led by Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to increase investment in the US to US$1 trillion within the next four to five years.
“And so it appears important for Trump to gain a return on the investment pledge or capital from Saudi Arabia and also to ensure a win-win situation for both sides," Chong told Bernama.
Chong said that Saudi Arabia should view the visit as a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and secure strategic support from Washington, including in the area of security.
International media reported on Monday that Trump is scheduled to meet with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, and to attend meetings with the leaders of the Gulf states and representatives from the technology and business sectors until May 16.
Prominent business figures, including Elon Musk, are expected to attend the Saudi-US Investment Forum set to take place in Riyadh on May 13.
Commenting further, Chong said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia is also expected to chart a clearer path towards global peace, including in Gaza, and to advance the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.
“This conveys a positive message to regional actors that the ‘America First’ policy does not revolve solely around the interests of the US,” he said, adding that it reflects Trump’s broader vision for global peace and efforts to resolve conflicts worldwide, including in Ukraine, the Middle East particularly Gaza, and beyond.
Chong however cautioned against hoping for a drastic change in the American foreign policy towards Gaza.
“We must be realistic in hoping to see a major shift in the US’s efforts or policy in this region, especially on ending the conflict in Gaza.
“We do see some effort towards a ceasefire or a long-term peace plan for Gaza that requires regional cooperation,” he said.
Chong added that with Trump’s return as US President, both leaders could galvanise this opportunity to revitalise Riyadh–Washington relations, drawing on the legacy of a long-standing friendship forged during the Trump 1.0 presidency, and position Washington as Riyadh’s key partner in security and defence.
Trump's four-day visit, which includes stops in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), resembles his maiden international tour in 2017, which also began in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia had earlier pledged to invest US$600 billion in the US within the next four years, in addition to spending US$3.5 billion on US weapons systems early this year.
--BERNAMA
