Trump arrives in Qatar after meeting Syrian president in Riyadh

DOHA — US President Donald Trump received a second day of fanfare at his second destination of a four-day, three-stop Middle Eastern sojourn, treated to displays of camels and red Cybertrucks as he arrived in Doha, Qatar.

Before flying to Doha, Trump met the Syrian president in Riyadh, urging Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel.

The meeting came after Trump lifted sanctions on Syria, saying it would "give them a chance at greatness".

Trump later praised the Syrian leader, calling him an "attractive guy, tough guy".

He also said it's possible he'll join peace talks in Turkey with Ukraine and Russia tomorrow, which Presidents Zelensky and Putin may attend.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greeted the US president atop a red carpet. And Trump’s motorcade was escorted through the streets of Doha by a cavalry of red Tesla Cybertrucks, a nod to the president’s senior adviser, Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The motorcade was greeted at Amiri Diwan, the administrative offices of the emir, by dozens of mounted camels and Arabian horses.

“We appreciate those camels — I haven’t seen camels like that in a long time,” Trump remarked.

The emir and the president observed a performance of both countries’ national anthems at a formal arrival ceremony.

Seated in plush, gilded chairs at a tea ceremony, the emir lavished praise on his guest, saying he was “extremely honored” and “very happy” to have the president visit, noting that Trump is “the first American president to officially to visit Qatar.”

Qatar has emerged as a key mediator for a number of conflicts, including efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

“I know that you’re a man of peace. I know that you want to bring peace to this region. We all want to do so, and we hope that this time, we can do the right thing and bring peace here in the region,” the emir said.

Trump returned the praise, calling the emir a friend. — Agencies