Saudi Defense Minister discusses partnership and peace efforts in Washington

In a move reflecting the depth of bilateral relations between Riyadh and Washington, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, met today at the White House in Washington, D.C., with a select group of senior officials in the U.S. administration, including Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Strengthening the historic strategic partnership

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the deep-rooted strategic relations between the two friendly countries, which have spanned decades and during which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have formed a close alliance that has contributed to maintaining global security and stability. They also discussed prospects for the Saudi-American partnership and ways to enhance it in various fields, particularly in defense and military affairs, in a manner that serves common interests and fulfills the aspirations of the leadership of both countries.

This visit comes at a crucial time on the international stage, as Saudi-American relations are a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East. The Kingdom, in its leading role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, is working to coordinate positions with the United States to address shared security challenges, combat terrorism, and ensure the security of waterways and global energy supplies.

Efforts to establish peace and regional stability

Regional issues featured prominently in the discussions, with His Highness the Minister of Defense and US officials discussing regional and international developments and delving into efforts to establish peace in the region and the world. Emphasis was placed on the importance of joint diplomatic and military action to de-escalate tensions in hotspots and support political processes that guarantee lasting security for the peoples of the region.

The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in leading peace efforts, relying on its political and economic weight, which makes coordination with Washington an urgent necessity to deal with the complex crises plaguing the Middle East, whether with regard to the Palestinian issue or other outstanding issues.

High-level attendance

The meeting was attended on the Saudi side by a high-level delegation headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United States of America, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Khalid bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif.

On the American side, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Keane, was present, reflecting the high importance that the military and political institutions in Washington attach to these talks.