The first official overseas trip of kings and presidents upon accession to power is an indicator for the importance of the country chosen as the first station in such trip in the new era. This indicator appeared Thursday when the White House announced Trump's decision to choose Saudi Arabia as the first station in his trip abroad after assuming power in the strongest superpower. The Saudi-US relations date back to the first meeting held by late King Abdul Aziz and US President Franklin Roosevelt. These relations provide the safety valve for a region thrown into chaos for decades and are of utmost importance for both countries. Notwithstanding the divergence in viewpoints from time to time upon regional and international issues, the relations had been different than ever during the last two years of the Obama era in terms of lack of enthusiasm owing to the weakness of US decision and to the ambiguity of US stances. At that time, numerous analysts thought that it would be the starting point for the end of a strategic partnership between two old allies and redrafting of the map of alliances not only regionally but also globally. However, the scene has been restored to normal and a completely new phase in the bilateral relations has occurred when a strong President has assumed power in the USA. Also, there has been a high-level diplomatic activity undertaken by the Kingdom and crowned by the Deputy Crown Prince's visit to Washington where he met with Trump. Now, the fruits of this visit are being harvested. Indeed, the meeting proved that the USA had an old ally still leading the Arab and Muslim worlds with utmost efficiency and taking decisive action in confrontation of evil plots in the region. Moreover, the Kingdom places trust in its future plans framed within an ambitious economic and developmental vision. The foregoing constitutes factors laying down the foundation for a stronger bridge linking Riyadh with Washington as two capital cities with common interests and a joint history of political coordination economic partnership, security and military cooperation and cultural exchange.
