Saudi Defence Minister Rallies Global Allies Over Houthi Attacks
Prince Khalid bin Salman holds talks with NATO chief and defence ministers of Canada, Germany, and Spain over Houthi attacks and regional security.
In a strategic push to bolster regional security and address escalating threats, Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, has engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic discussions. The minister held separate telephone conversations with the Secretary General of NATO and his defence counterparts from Canada, Germany, and Spain to address the critical issue of Houthi attacks Saudi Arabia has been facing, alongside broader defence cooperation.
Coordination with NATO
Prince Khalid bin Salman initiated discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to align strategies on international security. According to the Saudi Defence Minister, the conversation focused on reviewing various aspects of defence cooperation. The two leaders discussed joint coordination regarding regional developments, emphasizing a shared goal of promoting stability and security on both a regional and international scale. They also touched upon several other topics of mutual interest to the alliance and the Kingdom.
Diplomatic Ties with Canada, Germany, and Spain
Beyond the NATO alliance, Prince Khalid reached out to key Western partners to secure solidarity and strengthen bilateral military ties.
Canada: Condolences and Condemnation
In a call with Canada's Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, the conversation began on a somber note. Prince Khalid extended his heartfelt condolences following a tragic fire at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, which resulted in the deaths of military personnel. He expressed his hopes for a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.
The discussion then shifted to strategic matters, where both ministers reviewed the potential for Saudi-Canadian defence cooperation and discussed methods to enhance regional stability. Crucially, the Canadian Minister joined Saudi Arabia in condemning the terrorist attacks launched by the Houthis against the Kingdom.
Germany: Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Saudi Defence Minister also spoke with Germany's Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius. Their dialogue centered on the current state of bilateral defence relations and the necessity of coordinating efforts to manage regional developments. Like Canada, Germany expressed its condemnation of the Houthi terrorist attacks, highlighting a unified front against the aggression targeting Saudi territory.
Spain: Enhancing Strategic Partnerships
Rounding out the diplomatic outreach, Prince Khalid held talks with Spain's Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles. The conversation focused on strengthening the existing Saudi-Spanish relations and exploring new avenues for defence cooperation. The two ministers specifically analyzed regional developments in the wake of the Houthi attacks, discussing the necessary steps to ensure lasting security and stability in the region.
"We reviewed our defence cooperation and ways to strengthen Saudi-Spanish relations. We explored regional developments after the Houthi terrorist attacks on the Kingdom and efforts to promote security and stability," stated Prince Khalid bin Salman.