In brief
On November 2, 2026, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman spoke with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles to strengthen defense cooperation. The call reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional stability and publicly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Both sides emphasized joint efforts to address current security challenges.
On November 2, 2026, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman reached out to Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles by telephone from Riyadh. The conversation aimed to explore ways to deepen defense cooperation and coordination between the two friendly nations.
During the call, the Saudis highlighted their joint interest in enhancing security and stability in the region, affirming that both governments remain committed to addressing contemporary challenges together.
Both leaders also condemned recent attacks by the Houthi movement on Saudi territory, labeling those acts as terrorism and stressing the need for a united response.
The meeting underscored a bilateral willingness to build stronger military ties, potentially through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, or procurement agreements. While specific initiatives were not detailed, the exchange reflects an ongoing effort to keep the two countries aligned on key security issues.
Prince Khalid emphasized that close defense cooperation is essential for both nations to confront evolving threats, a view that Richard Marles echoed by stressing Australia’s support for Saudi security objectives. The agreement demonstrates how international collaboration can help counteract regional instability caused by groups such as the Houthi rebels.
