Saudi, Chinese Navies Conclude Blue Sword 2019 Drill

The Saudi and Chinese navies conclude the Blue Sword 2019 drill. (SPA)
The Saudi and Chinese navies conclude the Blue Sword 2019 drill. (SPA)
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Saudi, Chinese Navies Conclude Blue Sword 2019 Drill

The Saudi and Chinese navies conclude the Blue Sword 2019 drill. (SPA)
The Saudi and Chinese navies conclude the Blue Sword 2019 drill. (SPA)

The Royal Saudi Navy Forces, represented by the Special Forces of the Western Fleet in Jeddah, and the Chinese navy concluded on Wednesday their mixed naval exercise.

The conclusion of the Blue Sword 2019 drill took place in the presence of Commander of the Special Naval Security Group Rear Admiral Saleh bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, on behalf of the Commander of the Western Fleet Rear Admiral Faleh bin Abdurrahman Al-Faleh, and a number of Chinese military commanders at King Faisal Naval Base.

Al-Ghamdi praised the forces that participated in the exercise for their combat readiness, mastery and harmony in conducting the drill.

He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, for their support to the Saudi armed forces.



Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Oman Discuss Strategic Partnership, Maritime Security

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
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Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Oman Discuss Strategic Partnership, Maritime Security

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)
Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi and Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi meet on Monday. (SPA)

Oman’s Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi received on Monday Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi for talks on strengthening cooperation and coordination with member states.

They reviewed areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen the partnership between the IMCTC and Oman, particularly in countering terrorism, building capacities, and exchanging expertise, in support of regional and international efforts to address extremist threats and promote security, stability, and peace.

Al-Moghedi outlined the coalition's key activities, initiatives, and programs across its four domains: intellectual, media, counter-terrorist financing, and military, as well as its efforts to support member states and develop their institutional and human capabilities.

He outlined the role of the IMCTC's Initiatives Fund, its objectives, and its main areas of operation. The fund supports strategic initiatives that member states identify as priorities, enabling them to implement specialized programs and sustainable projects across various fields of counter-terrorism.

The secretary-general and his delegation visited the Maritime Security Center in Oman, where they were briefed on the center's mandate and operational responsibilities, its mechanisms for monitoring and coordinating activities at sea, and its role in strengthening maritime security and safety and addressing potential risks and threats.


Riyadh to Host Fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in November

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
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Riyadh to Host Fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in November

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters file)

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will organize the fourth Saudi International Maritime Forum in Riyadh from November 23 to 25, under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The event will witness the participation of a distinguished group of naval commanders, decision-makers, experts, and representatives of the industrial and technology sectors.

Through its specialized sessions and activities, the forum will address key issues, including shifts in the global strategic environment and their impact on maritime supply chain security, as well as threats to energy supply chains.

The forum will examine seabed security and the protection of subsea infrastructure, address security challenges in the maritime transport sector, and explore solutions and technologies that protect maritime systems and enhance their operational efficiency.

It will highlight the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in strengthening maritime security.

International entities from more than 40 countries have confirmed their participation, reinforcing the forum’s position as an international platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, building partnerships, and developing shared perspectives on contemporary maritime challenges.

The forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening maritime security as a key pillar of regional and international stability.

It reinforces the Kingdom’s position as an active partner in supporting the security of seas and vital maritime routes and promoting international cooperation in the maritime sector.


US Nominates New Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Republican congressman Wesley Hunt. (Reuters file)
Republican congressman Wesley Hunt. (Reuters file)
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US Nominates New Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Republican congressman Wesley Hunt. (Reuters file)
Republican congressman Wesley Hunt. (Reuters file)

US President Donald Trump has nominated Republican congressman Wesley Hunt, a US Army veteran, as his new ambassador to Saudi Arabia -- a post that had been left vacant amid the war with Iran.

Hunt's nomination was sent Monday to the US Senate, which must vote on his confirmation.

"Having served in the region both in combat as an Army officer and for two years as a diplomatic liaison in the Kingdom, I understand the strategic importance of the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and the profound responsibility of this position," Hunt said in a post on X.

The nomination comes at a time of fresh attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi soil.

The group last week seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which has become vital as the wider US-Iran war chokes the Strait of Hormuz.