Trump's to tout 'cooperative relationships' during upcoming Middle East trip

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump will tout his vision for the US to have "cooperative relationships" with the nations of the Middle East during an upcoming visit to the region, the White House said Friday.

Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump seeks to build out his vision for the region based on a "a shared vision of stability, opportunity and mutual respect."

"President Trump will return to reemphasize his continued vision for a proud, prosperous and successful Middle East, where the United States and Middle Eastern nations are in cooperative relationships, and where extremism is defeated in place of commerce and cultural exchanges," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

"This trip ultimately highlights how we stand on the brink of the golden age for both America and the Middle East, united by a shared vision of stability, opportunity and mutual respect," she added.

The White House announced last month that Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13-16. The trip was supposed to be his first abroad, but Pope Francis' death in April prompted him to travel to Rome for the solemn funeral service.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House this week, Trump told reporters that he is not planning on visiting Israel as part of his upcoming visit.