DoD News:
Defense Secretary Ash Carter met today with Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the two leaders affirmed the longtime security partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook issued today.
The two leaders discussed a range of issues related to mutual security interests, including checking Iranian destabilizing activities in the region and countering violent extremism from groups like ISIL, Cook said.
Building on commitments made at Camp David last May, and in advance of the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit to be hosted by President Barack Obama in Riyadh, Carter identified several areas where the United States and Saudi Arabia can deepen their security cooperation for the benefit of both countries, such as enhancing training for special operations and counterterrorism forces, integrating air and missile defense systems, bolstering cyber defenses, and strengthening maritime security, Cook said.
The secretary and Deputy Crown Prince agreed to continue these constructive discussions at the U.S.-GCC Defense Ministerial, which they will co-host tomorrow in advance of the U.S.-GCC Summit the following day, Cook said.
