Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Saudi relations. They discussed mutual security, cooperation against terrorism, and regional stability amidst challenges such as those posed by Iran. Both leaders committed to deepening ties to achieve mutual interests in security and prosperity.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense, at the Pentagon. Hegseth acknowledged the importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership, emphasizing peace through strength. He highlighted President Trump’s historic connections with Saudi Arabia, including his early phone call to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and diplomatic discussions aimed at regional stability, especially in light of recent tensions involving groups like the Houthis.
The Secretary underscored the long-standing relations between the two nations, dating back 80 years to the first meeting on USS Quincy. He noted that the relationship is critical for addressing terrorism and enhancing mutual prosperity. Hegseth expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating U.S.-Russia dialogues regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating a desire to deepen U.S.-Saudi cooperation.
In response to questions, Hegseth rejected inquiries regarding leadership selections based on qualifications, focusing instead on finding suitable leaders in military legal positions. He emphasized that the objective is to provide quality legal recommendations for lawful military orders. Hegseth also acknowledged that discussions on U.S. defense support for Saudi Arabia regarding Iranian threats are essential during their meeting.
The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism regarding continued collaboration to stabilize the region. Both leaders expressed their commitment to working closely to strengthen ties and address shared security concerns, reflecting the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship in a volatile geopolitical landscape. The dialogue emphasized the pressing need for cooperation in the face of regional instability.
The welcome meeting between Secretary Hegseth and His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman highlighted the importance of U.S.-Saudi relations in promoting regional stability and security. Emphasizing efforts to combat terrorism and engage in collaborative peace initiatives, the dialogue reaffirmed a commitment to jointly tackle regional threats, particularly those posed by Iran. Such partnerships are crucial in ensuring mutual prosperity and a stable international landscape.
Original Source: www.defense.gov
