Donald Trump lands in Saudi Arabia as controversies swirl at home

Trump and the 81-year-old Salman were seen in friendly conversation inside the Royal Terminal just after Trump touched down, and the two leaders shared a long drive from the airport to central Riyadh, where the President is staying.

Shortly afterward, the pageantry continued inside the Saudi Royal Court, where Salman presented Trump with a gilded necklace and medal, the country's highest honor. The distinction also was bestowed upon Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

President Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, smiles at Saudi King Salman at a welcome ceremony Saturday at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport.

After arriving with an escort of soldiers on horseback, Trump was welcomed to the court to the strains of the American national anthem.

Joining Trump inside was a long parade of advisers, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Steve Bannon, senior advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Press Secretary Sean Spicer, and Trump's former bodyguard, Keith Schiller.

Seated among the US advisers were the most powerful members of the Saudi government, including Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful son of the King who is advocating for major reforms in the kingdom.

Trump receives the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal from King Salman on Saturday at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh.