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 Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.