US, Saudi Arabia ink massive $142 billion arms agreement

US PRESIDENT WILL HEAD TO QATAR AND UAE IN NEXT TWO LEGS OF HIS VISIT

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Saudi Arabia yesterday promised billions of dollars in deals with the United States from defence to artificial intelligence as it threw a lavish welcome for President Donald Trump on the first state visit of his second term.

The Saudis escorted Air Force One into the kingdom with fighter jets before bringing out long-stretching guards of honour and sending flag-waving cavalry to accompany Trump's motorcade to the palace.

The White House said that Saudi Arabia would buy nearly $142 billion in weapons in what it described as the largest-ever weapons deal, although Trump in his first term trumpeted a larger, longer-term figure.