US Defense Secretary thanks Saudi Crown Prince for hosting conference

American Forces Press Service –

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who also serves as first deputy prime minister and defense minister, before a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2014. The two defense leaders discussed regional threats and challenges, including Iran and Syria, and the importance of maintaining close cooperation on these and other issues in the region. Hagel also will meet with Saudi leaders hosting the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council defense ministerial. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Saudi Crown Prince Salman this evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

In a statement, Kirby said this is the third meeting Hagel has had with the crown prince and noted that it follows President Barack Obama’s visit in March.

Hagel expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia hosting the first U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council defense ministerial conference since 2008, Kirby said, and noted the significance of such a gathering of these leaders at this time.

“Secretary Hagel congratulated the crown prince on Saudi Arabia’s successful completion of the Sword of Abdullah military exercise,” the press secretary added. “The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Saudi strategic and defense partnership and shared challenges, including Iran and Syria. They pledged to continue to work together to deepen U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation.”