U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., is in Saudi Arabia this week, accompanying nine companies on a business development trip led by the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council, with the support of the Minnesota Trade Office, Arab News is reporting.

Delegation members are meeting with government and business leaders in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and Dammam, the capital of the country's Eastern Province.

The trip mark's Ellison fourth trip with the Business Council and Minnesota companies to explore opportunities in the Saudi market.

"It is always a pleasure for me to return to Saudi Arabia with Minnesota companies to continue to build the bonds of friendship and business that benefit both the Kingdom and our state," Ellison told Arab News.

The delegation arrived Sunday and will return Wednesday. Ellison and other members of Congress are on spring recess this week and next.