Saudi and British defence ministers discuss efforts to bring stability to Middle East

On Thursday, the defence ministers of Saudi Arabia and the UK discussed bilateral cooperation and efforts to bring stability to the Middle East. The talks in Riyadh focused on promoting regional and international security and stability.

Prince Khaled bin Salman and John Healey discussed the Saudi-British strategic partnership and explored opportunities to enhance defence cooperation, according to the Saudi press agency. Earlier that day, Healey also met his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler.

Before the discussions in the Saudi capital, the British Defence Ministry said Healey is going to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to a future-facing bilateral difference relationship, adding that the defence secretary plans to enhance cooperation on shared security principles.

Securing ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon

John Healey made his first official visit to Saudi Arabia since becoming Defence Minister of the UK after the Keir Starmer-led Labour Party’s election triumph in July 2024. In the meeting on thursday, both parties discussed joint efforts to address regional challenges.

It had also been expected that Healey and his Saudi counterpart are going to discuss efforts to secure ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon. The brutal Middle East crisis has been making global headlines since October 7, 2023.

Saudi Arabia and the UK share a decades-long defence partnership, founded in mutual security interest and longstanding industrial collaboration. NATO allies UK and Turkey are also seeking enhanced defence industrial cooperation, exploring mutually beneficial opportunities.