On Tuesday, May 13, President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia was met with the most solemn reception. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman carefully arranged every detail of the reception and personally drove a golf cart to take Trump to the state banquet.
Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia at 9:49 am local time on Tuesday, a purple carpet symbolizing honor was laid out. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman personally greeted Trump and held a coffee ceremony at the royal terminal.
Throughout the day, various welcome ceremonies were arranged and multiple agreements were signed between Salman and Trump. Afterward, Salman hosted a state banquet for Trump in Diriyah. Diriyah is the location of the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, which attracts numerous tourists annually. It is also renowned for its unique Najdi architectural style specific to the Arabian Peninsula.
Salman personally drove a golf cart carrying Trump and others to visit the new construction projects and old town areas of Diriyah before heading to the venue where the state banquet was held, closed to the media.
In the released video from the White House, Trump and Salman are seen sitting in the front seats, with Salman steering the golf cart. Traditional Saudi music plays in the background, and some individuals are seen performing traditional dances.
According to CNN, Trump’s senior adviser and Tesla CEO Musk rode in the second golf cart. Musk also participated in the Saudi-US investment forum that day.
Trump’s well-known passion for playing golf has become a means for foreign leaders to build closer relationships. During Trump’s first presidential term, his “golf diplomacy” with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe garnered significant attention.
In November 2017, during Trump’s visit to Japan, Abe made unique arrangements for Trump’s visit. On the first day of Trump’s visit, Abe invited Trump to play golf and specially prepared two golf caps with the inscription “Donald (Trump) and (Abe) Shinzo: Making the (US-Japan) Alliance Stronger.” This imitation of Trump’s campaign slogan undoubtedly increased Trump’s warmth. When Trump and Abe entered the golf club’s restaurant, they each signed the caps, symbolizing their respective commitments.