Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
TT

Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Syrian Leadership Deal with SDF to Merge Forces

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Syrian Leadership Deal with SDF to Merge Forces

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi shake hands in this handout released on March 10, 2025. SANA/Handout via REUTERS

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed an agreement to integrate all civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria into Syrian state institutions.

The Syrian Democratic Forces signed a deal with the Damascus government on Monday to join Syria's new state institutions, the Syrian presidency said on Monday.
The Kingdom praised the steps taken by the Syrian leadership to maintain civil peace and stability and the efforts exerted to strengthen national unity across Syria.