The Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, stated on Twitter that the Kingdom and Russia have signed an agreement aimed at developing joint military cooperation between the two countries. Prince Khalid bin Salman added, "Today, I signed with Russian Deputy Minister of Defense General Alexander Fomin an agreement between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation aimed at developing areas of joint military cooperation between the two friendly countries."
He noted in a separate tweet that he discussed ways to enhance military and defense cooperation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, emphasizing "our joint efforts to maintain security and stability in the region, and the major common challenges facing both countries."
Russian news agency TASS reported that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu intends to carry out intensive development of military-technical cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Shoigu mentioned during his meeting with Prince Khalid bin Salman, "We aim for steady development of cooperation in military and military-technical fields on all issues of mutual interest."
Shoigu thanked Prince Khalid bin Salman for his visit to the Army 2021 International Military Forum. Earlier on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported that the deputy minister of defense arrived in Moscow to participate in the International Military-Technical Forum "Army 2021."
The agency added that Prince Khalid bin Salman will discuss with several Russian officials the joint files between the two countries that support security and stability in the region. This comes following an official visit to participate in the "Army 2021" forum, which kicked off at the "Patriot" conference and exhibition center in Kubinka, Moscow region.
The agency stated, "The Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense will discuss with Russian officials the bilateral relations between the two countries and address issues of mutual interest to support security and stability in the region."
Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the Deputy Director of International Relations at the Russian Ministry of Defense, General Alexey Lebalin Analotovich, along with several officials. The reception also included the Saudi Ambassador to Russia, Abdul Rahman bin Suleiman Al-Ahmad, and the Saudi military attaché in Russia, Brigadier General Saad bin Mohammed Al-Kathiri.
