Deepening defence cooperation and urgently de-escalating tensions
in the Middle East will be the focus of discussions between the
Defence Secretary and his counterparts in Türkiye and the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia today (Thursday 14 November).
During his meetings in Ankara and Riyadh, will reaffirm the UK's
commitment to global security and securing an immediate ceasefire
in Gaza and Lebanon.
Discussions with both nations will also focus on shared
priorities, such as deepening ties between our defence industries
and tackling regional security challenges.
In a mutual commitment to bolster regional stability, NATO Allies
UK and Türkiye will agree to deepening their defence industrial
cooperation, focusing efforts on exploring mutually beneficial
opportunities.
And in his first visit to Saudi Arabia, the Defence
Secretary will build on the decades-long defence relationship
between the UK and KSA to enhance cooperation on shared security
priorities.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“Deepening our defence relationships with key partners across the
region will help the UK to support regional stability and
economic growth at home.
“This government is determined to work with our partners and
across the Middle East to boost military cooperation and help
lead a renewed push for peace.”
While in Ankara, the Defence Secretary and his counterpart, Yaşar
Güler, will reaffirm plans to work together towards greater
military cooperation and pursue a joint strategy for industry,
providing significant opportunities for mutual growth and
security.
Talks will aim to initiate a structured dialogue to explore
procurement opportunities, and joint export ventures.
After travelling on to Riyadh this afternoon, the Defence
Secretary is scheduled to meet Defence Minister HRH Prince Khalid
bin Salman (KbS), and the Minister for the National Guard
Abdullah bin Bandar (AbB).
The UK and KSA share a decades-long defence partnership, founded
in mutual security interest, reliable UK support and longstanding
industrial collaboration. Engagements today will provide the
opportunity to explore how to further enhance cooperation and
capability development in pursuit of shared security priorities;
including support to KSA's Vision 2030 Transformation
programme.
