President Donald Trump is officially on his way to the Middle East as he kicks off his first foreign trip.
Getting ready for my big foreign trip. Will be strongly protecting American interests - that's what I like to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2017
.@POTUS boards Air Force One and begins his 1st international trip as President.
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 19, 2017
Follow along at https://t.co/8VVyuNViju#POTUSAbroad pic.twitter.com/zGaqy8kogs
The President's first stop is Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Arab partners and give a speech about combating terrorism. Early next week he will travel to Israel, Vatican City and Brussels. Some details on his schedule from the White House:
Saudi Arabia
President Trump will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 20th, and will meet with King Salman, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince. The President will participate in a signing ceremony of several agreements, bilateral meetings, and the inauguration of a new center intended to fight radicalism and promote moderation. The President and First Lady will also be joining the Saudi Royal Family for an official dinner.
Israel
In Jerusalem, President Trump will meet with the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, and lay a wreath at Yad Vashem. He will then deliver remarks at the Israel Museum celebrating the unique history of Israel and of the Jewish people. Later that day, the President will meet with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. They will be joined by First Lady Melania Trump and Mrs. Sara Netanyahu for a private dinner. President Trump will meet the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, in Bethlehem and will urge Palestinian leaders to take productive steps toward peace. The President will also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall.
Rome & Vatican City
President Trump will meet with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican and will be celebrating the rich contributions of Catholics to America and to the world. The President and the Pope plan to discuss a range of issues of mutual concern. The President will also meet with the Cardinal Secretary of State and tour St. Peter’s Basilica. President Trump will then meet with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
Brussels & NATO Leaders MeetingPresident Trump will meet with the King and the Prime Minister of Belgium. The President will travel to the European Union headquarters and attend the NATO Leaders Meeting. President Trump will have a working lunch with newly elected President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and will then deliver remarks at the unveiling of a new NATO memorial. Secretary of Defense James Mattis will join the President as he participates in the NATO Leaders Meeting and dinner.
G7 Summit & Taormina
President Trump will attend the G7 Summit in Sicily where he will meet bilaterally with world leaders. The President will also attend a concert performed by the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Italy, Paolo Gentiloni. The President will conclude his trip with remarks to American and allied service members and their families at Naval Air Station Sigonella.
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