Donald Trump to deliver 'blunt' message to Muslim world in keynote Saudi Arabia speech

US President Donald Trump will urge the Islamic world to drive out extremism as he delivers a highly anticipated speech in Saudi Arabia.

The Republican is due to give the address on the second day of his eight-day tour – his first abroad as president – which has already seen him sign off on trade and arms deals worth as much as $350bn (£270bn).

According to close advisors, Trump is expected to give a "blunt" but "uplifting" message as he called for Arab leaders to do more against fundamentalism.

A White House official told AFP: "[Trump will] talk about what unites us in uplifting terms.

"But he'll also be very blunt in talking about the need to confront extremism and the fact that many in the Muslim world have not only not done enough, they've actively abetted this extremism, even as some of them have talked a good game on the surface but in quiet, continue to fund extremism."

The speech will follow months of policies which are seen to be critical of Islam, but Trump has maintained his priority is to keep America safe and fight terrorism.

Despite the frank tone, Trump will not raise human rights concerns which have previously distanced the US from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

According to copies of the speech acquired by AP, Trump will say: "This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects or different civilisations.

"This is a battle between those who seek to obliterate human life and those who seek to protect it. This is a battle between good and evil."

He will add: "We are not here to lecture – to tell other people how to live, what to do or who to be. We are here instead to offer partnership in building a better future for us all."

More than 40 Arab leaders are expected to attend the keynote speech.