In mid-May, Saudi Arabia is set to host a significant Gulf-US summit, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s inaugural visit to the kingdom during his second term in office.

This upcoming summit is particularly notable as it follows a similar assembly that took place on May 21, 2017, during Trump’s first term, which was marked by high-profile discussions and pivotal agreements.

The summit will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and has generated considerable anticipation, especially surrounding an announcement that Trump hinted at during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on May 6.

Trump described this forthcoming declaration as a “very important announcement,” fueling speculation about its potential implications for regional diplomacy.

The agenda for the summit is expected to be robust, focusing on a range of crucial topics, including security and military cooperation, technology partnerships, and advancements in artificial intelligence.

All Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders are expected to attend, with the notable exception of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He has been notably absent from public engagements due to ongoing health issues.

A diplomatic source with knowledge of the proceedings, who spoke to The Media Line under the condition of anonymity, revealed that President Trump is anticipated to formally recognize the State of Palestine, stating that this recognition would include the establishment of a Palestinian state independent of Hamas’s influence.

This potential declaration, if made, is expected to be a landmark moment that could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, possibly encouraging more nations to join the Abraham Accords.

Additionally, the source indicated that while several economic agreements are expected to be discussed—many of which have already been made public—others could emerge, including the possibility of the Gulf states receiving exemptions from certain tariffs.

This summit promises to be a vital event with the potential to reshape alliances and economic partnerships in the region.