Elon Musk appeared to be enjoying himself as he laughed and joked in Saudi Arabia with President Trump as he was introduced to the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
US President Donald Trump has met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but it was his election pal Elon Musk who stole the limelight.
One by one, Saudi dignitaries and officials lined up to greet Trump today, before US officials and business leaders did the same, queueing to have their few seconds shaking hands with Mohammed bin Salman. The usually brief exchanges consisted of a handshake, a nod of the head and some brief words, until billionaire Musk came into view and dominated the prince for some time. Musk could be seen first shaking the Saudi’s hand before doing the same with the American leader, but instead of moving on Musk then chatted away – with Trump more than once rubbing his arm as if to encourage him to stay.
An aide appeared to be trying to move things along, and a Saudi photographer moved in to capture the unusual moment while Musk stayed. He even looked around and gestured with his hands, laughing away before eventually moving on.
The President and Crown Prince later sat side by side and spoke to the press in Riyadh. The US president said “a lot of cheques” and “probably two million jobs” in the US were being talked about during this visit.
Speaking to Mohammed bin Salman, he said: “Number one, I like visiting with you and we’ve known each other very well, and I really believe we like each other a lot.
“Number two,” Trump said, the US had gotten “tremendous” investment and jobs “and we’ll continue to service your great country very well”.
Trump arrived at at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, shortly before 10am local time (8am BST), arriving on Air Force One where he was greeted by the sound of a 21-gun salute and trumpets.
The two leaders headed to the Royal Court, for the lengthy procession of dignitaries, officials and business figures – including Musk – who had waited to shake hands with them both.
Saudi Arabia is the first leg of Trump’s tour of the Gulf, where he will also visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in the coming days.
Trump and bin Salman today signed a ‘strategic economic partnership’. The agreements include a “letter of intent” between the US and Saudi Arabia defence departments regarding the modernisation and development of the capabilities of the Saudi Armed Forces.
Energy and mining agreements are among the other things included in the deal, which they sat and signed in a ceremony in front of the cameras this afternoon.