The fist bump seems so long ago.
Three years after Joe Biden's cursory greeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Donald Trump luxuriated in an extravagant royal welcome as he arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Concerns about human rights and fossil fuels in the oil-rich autocracy were nowhere on the agenda. Instead the day was all about cutting deals and celebrating a personal relationship that has endured through scandal and political turmoil.
"I really believe we like each other a lot," Trump said as they sat on golden chairs under elaborate chandeliers in the royal palace. During a speech later in the day, the president described Prince Mohammed as an "incredible man" and "my friend."
The feeling was clearly mutual. The crown prince addressed his guest as "my dear President Trump," and the Saudis played his campaign anthems - "God Bless the U.S.A." and " YMCA " - during his appearance at an investment forum.