Saudi Defense Minister discusses regional security with NATO chief, European counterparts

RIYADH — Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held telephone talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss military and defense cooperation and coordinate efforts in response to ongoing regional developments.During the call, the two sides reviewed joint coordination regarding the current situation in the region, with a focus on supporting regional and international security and stability.Prince Khalid and Rutte also discussed several issues of mutual interest.Separately, the Saudi defense minister held telephone conversations with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles to discuss regional developments amid the condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.The calls focused on coordinating efforts between Saudi Arabia and the three countries in response to regional developments and exploring ways to strengthen joint action to support security and stability in the region.Prince Khalid also reviewed bilateral military and defense relations with his Canadian, German and Spanish counterparts, including opportunities to further develop cooperation.During his conversation with McGuinty, Prince Khalid extended his condolences over the deaths of several military personnel in a fire at a military base in Canada's Alberta province.He also wished those injured in the incident a speedy recovery.