Trump Affirms “Historic Significance” of His First Overseas Trip

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, wave as they board Air Force One for his first overseas trip.

 
Washington, 23 Sha’ban 1438/20 May 2017 (MINA) – US President Donald Trump affirmed Friday that his first trip overseas is of “historic significance for the American people,” saying he is “very excited about new possibilities for peace and prosperity.”

In his weekly address, Trump, who headed today for Saudi-Arabia in the first leg of his eight-day, six stops trip, said he will be “visiting with the leaders in many different countries to strengthen our old friendships, build new partnerships and unite the civilized world in a fight against terrorism, KUNA reported.

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“In that spirit of unity, I will travel to lands associated with three of the world’s great religions,” he added.

He indicated that in his first stop, Saudi Arabia, “the heart of the Muslim world,” he will “address a historic gathering of the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations.” He noted he will “represent the views of the American people frankly and clearly.

“Many of these leaders have expressed growing concern about terrorism, the spread of radicalization and Iran’s role in funding both. Now, it appears Muslim leaders are ready to take more responsibility and a much bigger role in fighting terrorism in their region,” he added.

He stressed “it’s about time we do it, we’ll do it together, but it has to be done.

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“We must help any nation willing to join in the common cause of eradicating terrorism from the face of the Earth.” On his visit to Israel, he said he will hold talks in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “about bringing peace and prosperity to both our nations.”

He affirmed that Israel “is an important American ally, but in recent years, we haven’t always treated them that way. It’s time to renew our friendship.”

He added that he will also meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem “to discuss ways to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians.”

As for his visit to the Vatican, he said he looks forward to speak with Pope Francis “about how Christian teachings can help put the world on a path to justice, freedom and peace.”

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Trump will then be attending a gathering of NATO in Brussels and the G7 summit in Italy.

“In my inaugural address, I pledged to strengthen America’s oldest friendships, to seek new partners in pursuit of peace, and above all, to always put American people first,” he remarked. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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