Trump receives royal welcome in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], May 20 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump was welcomed with pomp and show in Saudi Arabia at an event, which featured a military brass band and a fighter jet flyover. "Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead," Trump tweeted shortly after his arrival. Trump and 81-year-old Saudi King Salman were seen in a friendly conversation even as they shared a long drive from the airport to central Riyadh, where the President is staying, reports the CNN. King Salman also presented Trump with a gilded necklace and medal, the country's highest honour. The distinction also was bestowed upon former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Saudi Arabia is Trump's first stop during a nine-day international tour that will also take him to Israel and Europe. Trump is accompanied by first lady Melania, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Steve Bannon, senior advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Press Secretary Sean Spicer, and Trump's former bodyguard, Keith Schiller. (ANI)