Carter, Saudi counterpart reaffirm nations' mutual security commitments

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the nations’ mutual security interests during Carter's recent visit to Riyahh, the Saudi capital.

The Pentagon said both officials reaffirmed the nations' security partnership amid several global challenges, including Iran's provocative activities in the region and extremism on the march from groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The Pentagon said Carter identified several areas during the meeting in which the U.S. and Saudi Arabia can further cooperate, such as expanding training for special operations and counterterror forces, boosting cyber-defense measures, the integration of air- and missile-defense systems, and increased maritime security.

The meeting built on agreements both nations made at a meeting at Camp David in May 2015. Both nations further reaffirmed their security relationship at the recent U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Defense Ministerial and the U.S.-GCC Summit, the latter of which was hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama.