Trump signs "strategic economic" alliance with Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman signed on Tuesday what was presented as a "strategic economic partnership" between the two countries, without revealing details or figures.

Later two Saudi official representatives listed several "protocols of agreement" in the fields of defense, energy, police and minerals, again without offering details, according to what AFP gathers.

President Donald Trump landed hours earlier in Saudi Arabia, where he begins a four-day tour to reaffirm US ties with countries in the region.

Months ago, Trump already confirmed thatSaudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatarwould be priority destinations on his foreign agenda. So far he had only traveled to Rome, for the funeral of Pope Francis.

"He will have many bilateral meetings and conversations and we look forward to the trip," said Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, when it became known that Trump would visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Upon his arrival he was received by Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he maintains a close friendship. In fact, the Saudi crown prince promised Trump that he would invest $600 billion in the country.

He is also scheduled for this Tuesday to be one of the speakers at an economic forum in Riyadh, to which the cryptocurrency czar, David Sacks, and big businessmen, such as the CEOs of BlackRock, IBM or Citigroup, are also invited.

Trump and the plane offered by Qatar

When he leaves Saudi Arabia, Trump will head to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with which an anecdotal issue has arisen.

Doha offered Trump use a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a means of transport to replace Air Force One while the new version of the presidential plane is being built. The Qatari government ruled out that it is a gift.

The president did not hesitate when it came to accepting the offer, opposing the criticism received. "I think it is a great gesture from Qatar. I appreciate it very much (...) I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free and very expensive plane' (...) Or I could say, 'Thank you very much,'" Trump replied.

The plane offered by Qatar is valued at $400 million.