Riyadh, 14 May 2025

Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, and US President Donald J. Trump participated this morning in the GCC-US Summit, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, along with members of the official delegation accompanying participating nations.

The State of Qatar welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the removal of sanctions on the Syrian Arab Republic, describing it as a significant step toward supporting stability and prosperity in Syria. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar’s full appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye in facilitating this development. The statement also reaffirmed Qatar’s steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, along with the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability, and development.

President Donald J. Trump arrived in Riyadh for a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at King Khalid International Airport by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The reception included a 21-gun salute and trumpet fanfare. Other dignitaries present included Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz; Saudi Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan; Mayor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf; and Governor of the Public Investment Fund, Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan.

During his visit, President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks and announced a strategic economic partnership, including a $600 billion Saudi investment commitment in the U.S. and the signing of what was described as the largest defense sales agreement in history, totaling nearly $142 billion. The partnership encompasses cooperation in defense, energy, space, mineral resources, technology, and public health. The White House hailed the agreements as historic, marking a transformative phase in U.S.-Saudi relations.

The volume of trade between the United States and Saudi Arabia in 2024 reached $32 billion, with $13 billion in Saudi exports to the U.S. and $19 billion in imports. U.S. investments in Saudi Arabia included significant projects in the industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu, such as the $78 billion Sadara Chemical Company and multi-billion-dollar investments in the Saudi Polymers Company and Jubail Petrochemical Company.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Trump held a historic meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa — the first between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years. President Trump characterized the engagement as a key step toward Syrian reintegration, influenced by the encouragement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. President Trump declared his intent to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, expressing optimism about the country's future under its new leadership.

President Trump extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, ' The Abraham Accords have been truly remarkable, ' It is my strong hope, heartfelt wish, and even my dream that Saudi Arabia—a nation I deeply respect—will soon become part of the Abraham Accords. I believe it would be a tremendous honor for your country', he expressed his desire.

In his address at the U.S.-GCC Summit, President Trump reaffirmed the United States’ strategic commitment to its partners in the Gulf region, emphasizing enhanced cooperation and regional stability.