Greeted by a crowd of royalty and a band playing the U.S. national anthem, President Obama landed in Riyadh on Tuesday for a hastily planned visit to Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally.
Obama cut short a trip to India in order to pay his respects during the mourning period for King Abdullah, but the visit is also intended to start the reign of the late monarch's successor and 'half-brother, King Salman, on a positive note for the U.S.
Advisors to the president said the trip was intended to pay respects to the legacy of Abdullah, whom Obama said in a statement was "candid" and "had the courage of his convictions."
Obama also wants to "touch base on some of the issues where we're working together with the Saudis," said deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia consult on a number of delicate issues in the Middle East, including the fight against Islamic State, nuclear negotiations with Iran and the unfolding crisis in Yemen, where the American-backed government collapsed last week.
The White House put together a bipartisan delegation for the trip, with veterans of both Bush administrations and members of Congress, including Sen. John McCain and House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.
The president and First Lady Michelle Obama were greeted on the tarmac in Riyadh by King Salman and Crown Prince Muqrin. With an interpreter at their side, Obama chatted for a moment with Salman as a sword-bearing honor guard stood by.
The Obamas shook hands with several members of the Saudi delegation before a motorcade took them to Erga Palace for a closed-door meeting.
For news about President Obama and the Obama administration, follow me on Twitter: @cparsons
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