News / Politics

Donald Trump receives top civilian medal from Saudi king

Saturday, 20 May 2017 6:27 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 20 May 2017 6:27 PM ]

US President Donald Trump (C) receives the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal from Saudi Arabia King Salman in Riyadh on May 20, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

US President Donald Trump has received Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor for what they described as his “quest to enhance security and stability in the region.”

The 81-year-old King Salman placed the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud gold medal around Trump’s neck during a ceremony at the grand Saudi Royal Court in the capital Riyadh on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump (L) walks with Saudi King Salman with his gold medal around his neck in Riyadh on May 20,2017. (Photo by AFP)

The award was given to the president to honor him for “his quest to enhance security and stability in the region and around the world,” said the host of the event.

The gold medal, which is named after founder of the modern Saudi state Abdulaziz al-Saud, is awarded to citizens of Saudi Arabia and foreigners for service to the kingdom.

US President Donald Trump (C) and First Lady Melania Trump (L) walk with Saudi Arabia King Salman.

Among former recipients of the award were former US presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

During his two-day visit to the kingdom, Trump is expected to announce a $100 billion-plus arms deal with Riyadh.

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