Khalid bin Salman, Austin Discuss Saudi-US Partnership

Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (SPA)
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Khalid bin Salman, Austin Discuss Saudi-US Partnership

Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington.

They discussed the strategic relations between the two friendly countries, the Saudi-US partnership, and aspects of strategic cooperation in the existing and future defense and military fields.

Prince Khalid expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for the close cooperation between the two countries' defense ministries and for the efforts of the US Defense Secretary to promote them to achieve the common interests of both countries and enhance security and peace at the regional and international levels.

For his part, Austin stressed that the "US is committed to our strong partnership with Saudi Arabia."

"I share Saudi concerns over Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, and I welcome the Kingdom’s constructive efforts in advancing the current Yemen truce, which should be extended," he said in a tweet.

Prince Khalid chaired the Saudi delegation in the Joint Strategic Planning Committee meeting between both Ministries of Defense, while the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl headed the US team.

The meeting addressed the latest regional and international developments and a range of issues within the shared US-Saudi commitment to defend common interests and maintain international peace and security.

The Deputy Minister and his accompanying delegation arrived in Washington Wednesday on an official visit. He was scheduled to meet with several US officials to review bilateral relations and discuss issues of common interest.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.