President Donald Trump will embark on a tour of three Middle Eastern countries.
President Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE starting on the 13th (local time), Reuters reported. This will be his first official trip since taking office in January.
The tour will be accompanied by Defense Minister Heagsech and Commerce Minister Rutnik. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Rubio is expected to join locally.
This tour is an opportunity to gauge the Biden administration's policy direction toward the Middle East. Foreign media have evaluated it as a significant schedule amid Israel's war with Hamas.
Notably, Israel, a close ally of the U.S. in the Middle East, is absent from this tour. Ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding denuclearization might also serve as variables for the tour.
The New York Times (NYT) noted that "the purpose of this tour from a strategic standpoint is unclear," adding that "the progress of foreign policy objectives remains uncertain."
According to NYT, Trump told his aides that he desires an economic agreement worth over $1 trillion (about 1,400 trillion won).
Trump is expected to receive a $400 million Boeing 747-8 aircraft as a gift from the royal family during his visit to Qatar. The aircraft is expected to be utilized as Air Force One.
There is also interest in whether Trump will participate in direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Turkey on the 15th.
Trump stated, "I am seriously considering a visit to Turkey."