Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir stressed today that the visit by US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom as his first foreign visit, reflects the Kingdom's pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic world.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first partner for the United States of America in the Arab and Islamic nations.  The Kingdom is the first partner for the United States in combating terrorism and extremism as well as eradicating Daesh (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of countries addressing the Iranian negative interferences in the regional affairs. This is an important issue for the United States. Therefore, the partnership with the Kingdom is very important," Minister Al-Jubeir said.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Saudi Arabia is major player in combating terrorism and extremism.  He said that the Kingdom has provided the Arab Peace Initiative which is a key reference to a Palestinian-Israeli peaceful solution where President Trump is seeking to end this conflict.  He described the US President's visit to the Kingdom as historic by all standards.

"President Trump desires to restore the US role in the world which is welcomed by the US allies. He also expressed his desire to destroy the ISIS terrorist organization and the terrorist groups. President Trump also seeks to address the Iranian illegal practices in the region. All these matters are welcomed by the US allies in the region. So, we are allies with the US administration in these issues," Al-Jubeir added.

"The US President's visit to the Kingdom is historic by all standards. The Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and serves the Two Holy Mosques. Terrorism and extremism cannot be defeated without the Kingdom. We are the closest partners in the fight against terrorism and extremism. The Kingdom is at the forefront of countries against Iran's negative and illegal activities.  The Kingdom is at the forefront of countries fighting the terrorist ISIS organization. The Kingdom has provided the Arab Peace Initiative.

The Kingdom has a key role in pushing the peace process forward. The Kingdom has huge investments in the US economy.  The Kingdom is a big trading partner with the United States, which means existence of enormous economic and financial interests between the two countries. To achieve the goals set by President Trump, whether in restoring the US role, defeating ISIS, containing Iran, promoting peace or enhancing investment, trade and prosperity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the key to these issues. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the US most important allies in the Arab and Islamic world. The Kingdom is one of the most important international partners with regard to economy, trade and investment.

Al-Jubeir said Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia would include a bilateral summit, a meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders and another with leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

"This visit will enhance, we believe, cooperation between the US and Arab and Islamic countries in combating terrorism and extremism. It will has enormous interests in the region and world," Al-Jubeir concluded.