WASHINGTON (April 19, 2016) —
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 Tuesday.
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.