Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed Saudi Minister of Defense His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman to the Pentagon, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in promoting regional stability and combating terrorism. They discussed the longstanding U.S.-Saudi relationship and the necessity of coordination amidst current threats, particularly regarding Iran. Hegseth concluded with a commitment to address security concerns collaboratively.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomed His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman, the Saudi Minister of Defense, to the Pentagon, acknowledging his previous familiarity with the facility. Hegseth expressed gratitude for the attendance of Khaled’s delegation, specifically recognizing her Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar. He emphasized that while the administration prioritizes “America first,” it is essential to strengthen key partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, which is a significant ally in promoting regional stability and combating terrorism.

Hegseth highlighted the longstanding relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, tracing its roots to the first meeting of heads of state aboard the USS Quincy. He noted that the cooperation has persisted for over eighty years and includes collective efforts against contemporary threats such as terrorism, specifically citing the Houthi organization. Furthermore, he mentioned Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating discussions aimed at achieving peace regarding ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

In response, His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership and expressed anticipation for constructive discussions to further enhance the bilateral relationship. He underlined the importance of their joint efforts to ensure stability in a tumultuous region, reiterating the necessity of their coordination to maintain both regional and global stability.

Hegseth, recognizing Khaled’s military background as a fighter pilot, indicated that today’s discussions would involve several key matters, including security issues related to Iran’s influence in the region. When questioned about the appointment of military legal officials, Hegseth defended the need to appoint qualified individuals capable of providing the best legal advice aligned with lawful orders from the Commander in Chief.

The Secretary also acknowledged the escalating concerns regarding Iranian activities that pose a threat to Saudi Arabia, affirming their continued commitment to discussions addressing this significant issue. However, he concluded the session by indicating there were no further questions to be addressed at that time, effectively wrapping up the meeting.

In conclusion, the discussions between Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and His Royal Highness Khaled bin Salman highlighted ongoing collaboration between the United States and Saudi Arabia to foster regional stability and combat terrorism. Both emphasized the necessity of strong partnerships while addressing current challenges posed by organizations such as the Houthis and the threat from Iran. The meeting marks a significant continuation of their longstanding cooperation, aiming for mutual prosperity and security.

Original Source: www.defense.gov

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