Saudi Arabia, Spain enhance defence, military cooperation

Spain (MADRID) - Saudi Arabia Assistant Minister of Defence and Aviation for Military Affairs Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, discussed on Tuesday with the Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon ways of boosting Saudi-Spanish relations and cooperation in the defence and military fields. "Prince Khalid and Minister Chacon discussed during their meeting issues of mutual concern, various regional issues and current developments in the international arena, including developments in Afghanistan and efforts exerted by the international community to combat piracy near the Somali coasts," a statement from Spain's ministry of Defence said. The statement added that Minister Chacon hailed efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia in the reconciliation process of Afghanistan, including its vital role in achieving peace, security, and efforts to rebuild Afghanistan. For his part, Prince Khalid praised the active role by Spain in Afghanistan, particularly in training Afghan security forces to take control as soon as possible. The statement also noted that the two sides tackled issues regarding the formation of a joint committee which would hold its first meeting this month to develop ways of bolstering military defence cooperation based on signed a previously signed agreement in 2008. The meeting was attended by Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Spain Prince Saud bin Nayif bin Abdulaziz and other high ranking military officials from both countries. Prince Khalid, who arrived last night, met earlier today with King Juan Carlos I and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.read more