Saudi King Salman hopeful over ‘historic’ Muslim-US summit

Saudi King Salman on Monday expressed hope the an upcoming “historic” summit to be held between Arab and Muslim nations and US President Donald Trump will enhance ties, strengthen stability and promote tolerance.

The summit this coming Sunday will be one of three forums held during a visit by Trump, who is making Saudi Arabia his first overseas visit since assuming office in January.

Along with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), at least 18 other Muslim nations have been invited to the summit, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Niger and Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population.

RELATED: Why is Saudi Arabia the first foreign trip for Trump?

King Salman told a cabinet meeting in Jeddah that the meeting “comes in light of the challenges and sensitive situations that the world is going through”.

“The King expressed his trust that Saudi-US Summit’s talks to be held on May 20, will contribute to strengthening and enhancing strategic relations between the two countries in various fields and their aspects of cooperation on various issues at regional and international arenas for enhancing global security and stability,” a statement on the official Saudi Press Agency read.