US President Donald Trump on Saturday arrived in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the first leg of his first international trip since taking office in January.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud welcomed President Trump at the airport in Riyadh. Melania Trump, the First Lady of the US, accompanied the president.

Trump did not miss the chance to express his feelings on Twitter a few hours after his arrival, posting: "Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead."

Screenshot from twitter

King Salman, who held a welcome ceremony in the airport terminal, tweeted: "We welcome POTUS [President of the United States] Trump to KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]. Mr. President, your visit will strengthen our strategic cooperation, lead to global security and stability."

Following the ceremony, the Saudi king decorated the US president with the kingdom's top civilian honor, the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal.

A signing ceremony for US-Saudi agreements is expected to be held during Trump’s trip, including deals related to anti-terrorism and arms sales.

Besides meeting with Saudi officials, Trump will also hold talks with leaders of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and have lunch with leaders of more than 50 Muslim countries.

During his eight-day overseas trip, the US president will visit Israel, Brussels and the Vatican and will also go to Sicily for the G7 summit.