High-Level Joint Steering Committee Discusses Saudi-UK Defense Strategic Ties

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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High-Level Joint Steering Committee Discusses Saudi-UK Defense Strategic Ties

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The high-level Joint Steering Committee held its meeting in London, chaired by Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Eng. Talal Al-Otaibi and Director-General of Industry, Trade, and Economic Security of the British Defense Ministry Avril Jolliffe.

The officials reviewed the historical and strategic defense relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK. They also discussed various aspects of strategic cooperation in defense research and development, technology transfer, and localization, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Otaibi met with the Minister of State for Defense Procurement and Member of Parliament for South Suffolk, James Cartlidge, at the UK Defense Ministry. They explored opportunities to enhance and develop cooperation in defense and military domains.

Al-Otaibi discussed with Deputy Chief of the Defense Staff Lieutenant General Rob Magowan the collaboration in defense research and development, technology transfer, and localization in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. They also addressed several topics of mutual interest.



Syrian FM: Saudi Arabia Will Be Destination of First Official Foreign Visit

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
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Syrian FM: Saudi Arabia Will Be Destination of First Official Foreign Visit

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said on Monday that he received an invitation from his Saudi counterpart to visit the Kingdom, making it the destination of his first official foreign visit since his appointment to his post.

In a post on the X platform, he revealed that he received the invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abullah and that he was “honored to represent his country” during the official visit.

Shibani added that the “new Syria welcomes all Arab and foreign delegations. We are opening a new historic chapter that connects Syria’s past to its present and closes the chapter of boycott during the rule of the former regime.”

Hours earlier, head of Syria’s new administration Ahmed al-Sharaa underscored to Al-Arabiya television the importance of Saudi Arabia in Syria’s future.

“Saudi Arabia will play a major role,” he stressed, highlighting the recent “very positive” Saudi statements on Syria.

Saudi Arabia is seeking Syria’s stability, he added, noting the major economic opportunities available in his country.