Qatar Airways has signed a deal to purchase 210 jets from US aviation manufacturer Boeing during President Donald Trump's visit to the Persian Gulf monarchy, state-controlled Qatar News Agency reported on May 14.

The agreement, valued at $200bn according to Trump, was signed during a ceremony in Doha witnessed by the US president and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani late on May 14.

Trump described the deal as "the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing" during his second stop on a tour of Gulf states after striking a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

"It's over $200bn but 160 in terms of the jets, that's fantastic. So that's a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there," Trump said, addressing Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal alongside Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

Following the signing, Boeing shares rose 0.9% in New York, while GE Aerospace stock edged up 0.1%. 

Aviation analysts note that airlines typically receive substantial discounts for bulk deals. Based on the most recent published value for Boeing's most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of these long-range aircraft would be worth approximately $70bn at catalogue prices, though Boeing no longer issues such prices.

The signing was part of several bilateral agreements during Trump's visit, including defence cooperation documents and a letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles.

General Electric has also agreed to sell $22bn worth of engines for the jets as part of a series of deals which the US is able to offer the Qataris as part of the push to boost US manufacturing.

Sheikh Tamim said the two leaders had "great" discussions covering various issues. "I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relations," the emir stated.

Earlier the Sheikh agreed to gift the US president and his subsequent library a $400mn jet to replace the aging Air Force One.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump addressed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh on May 14, praising Gulf nations as "at the forefront of creating a stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East," Al Jazeera reported.

Trump made the comments as part of his push to revive Middle East peace efforts and strike a deal with Iran as he continues to tour the region. 

"I have to say I've seen such progress. It's really incredible," Trump said. "I've also seen such unity and friendship.”