‘Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead,’ tweets Trump in Riyadh

When Air Force One touched down at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday morning with US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania aboard, marking the new US President’s first official foreign trip, it was also the appropriate time for social media diplomacy.

President Trump is visiting the kingdom on a two-day trip that is expected to enhance strategic cooperation between both countries.

Expectations are high with many business deals being signed. Trump will also attend three summits in Riyadh, including an Arab-Islamic-US Summit.

On arrival, the president was greeted by an airport welcome ceremony by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and a brief coffee meeting in a reception room at the airport.

King Salman also tweeted his greeting: “We welcome @POTUS Trump to KSA. Mr. President, your visit will strengthen our strategic cooperation, lead to global security and stability.”

US President Donald Trump who is an avid Twitter user also followed: “Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead.”

The US First Lady Melania Trump in turn on her arrival in Saudi Arabia tweeted: “Thank you for a beautiful welcome to #Riyadh! #SaudiArabia”

When she emerged at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday morning, the first lady wore an Arabic-inspired attire - black long-sleeved, wide-leg jumpsuit, cinched at the waist with a wide gold belt, and black patent stilettos.

Ivanka Trump, the President’s daughter and advisor who is part of the official US delegation, also tweeted: “Looking forward to a meaningful visit to the Middle East and the Vatican in promotion of religious tolerance globally.”

Ivanka wore a long-sleeved black-and-white maxi dress. Her husband Jared Kushner accompanied her.