14 May, 2017
"We thought [going to Saudi Arabia first] was very important because obviously people have tried to portray the president in a certain way", the official said.
Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia will be historic "by every measure", said that country's foreign minister, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.
Mr. Trump plans to gather leaders from across the Muslim world in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and he said he hoped to use the meeting to establish "a new foundation of cooperation and support with our Muslim allies to combat extremism, terrorism and violence and to embrace a more just and hopeful future for young Muslims in their countries". Along with a bilateral meeting, Trump will attend a Gulf Cooperation Council summit while in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier both leaders have betted out contrasting policy points and majorly the fiery conversation via the media and press when Donald Trump was campaigning a year ago in February to be the Republican Party's candidate for the White House, Washington. When asked if he preferred a one-state or a two-state solution, Trump said, "I'm happy with the one they like the best", referring to both Israelis and the Palestinians.
The Sunni-led Saudis and Shia Iranians are engaged in a regional struggle for influence.
"It's a very clear message to the world that the USA and the Arab Muslim countries can form a partnership", Jubeir said. Saudi Arabia, the official said, will be the first stop "because they are the custodian of two holy mosques and at that site they will be convening a lot of the leaders from the Muslim world" to discuss issues with radicalization. Dates were not announced.
Trump has promised to make a major effort to resolve the generations-old dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. White House officials told NBC that while in Saudi Arabia Trump will meet Arab leaders from across the Middle East to discuss peace in the region and cutting funding to the Islamic State militant group (ISIS).
Pope Francis addresses the crowd during the Regina Coeli prayer at St Peter's square at the Vatican, April 30, 2017.
In Italy, Trump will travel to the Vatican City where he will have an audience with Pope Francis. Also in Rome, Trump will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who hosts this month's G-7 summit in Sicily.
Trump will conclude his foreign trip with a visit to Brussels for a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit on May 25, followed by a meeting of the G7 in Sicily.
