© Mandel Ngan / AFPUS President Donald Trump (L) and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Riyadh May 20, 2017.
In his first overseas trip as president, Donald Trump sealed an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth $350 billion over 10 years, with nearly $110 billion to take effect immediately. The agreement is said to bolster security "in the face of Iranian threats."
"This package of defense equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region
in the face of Iranian threats, while also bolstering the Kingdom's ability to contribute to counter terrorism operations across the region," the White House said in a statement on Saturday, as quoted by CNBC News.
US President Donald Trump, along with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is accompanying him on the trip, attended a signing ceremony for almost $110 billion worth of defense capabilities to be conveyed to Saudi Arabia, the US Department of State said in a statement on Saturday.
"This package demonstrates the United States' commitment to our partnership with Saudi Arabia, while also expanding opportunities for American companies in the region," the statement read.
The deal also "potentially supports tens of thousands of new jobs in the United States," it added.
The "intended sales" include deals in five categories that include border and coastal security, cybersecurity, air force modernization, as well as air and missile defense, the State Department announced.
Tanks, artillery, helicopters, light close air support, intelligence-gathering aircraft, and systems such as Patriot and THAAD are just a few among a large list of weapons and machinery to be sold to Riyadh.
"Offers of extensive training" are also included in the package.
Comment: See also: Celebrating the multibillion arms deal: Trump & Tillerson awkwardly join in Saudi sword dance