Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense, has left Washington on Friday, concluding his official visit to USA.
During the visit, he held meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and a number of other US officials to discuss bilateral relations.
According to sources from the United States Department of Defense, the meeting in the Pentagon tackled increasing military cooperation and the Yemeni developments, in addition to security cooperation to ensure navigation in the Gulf.
In his first press conference since appointing him a secretary of defense, Esper affirmed that Washington is committed to defending its allies against Iranian threats.
He also stressed that Washington is communicating with a number of countries to ensure navigation in the Gulf.
Esper stated that the presence of the US and its allies in the region aims to hold back Iran’s attitudes and provocations.
He also lauded the UK, Australia and Bahrain for agreeing to join Operation Sentinel. Esper noted that more states would probably follow their lead and join the operation that helped calm the tension in the region.
Upon leaving for the Kingdom, Prince Khalid was seen off by Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, and a number of officials.
