Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth in the present day highlighted the significance of the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia whereas internet hosting that nation’s protection minister throughout a bilateral engagement on the Pentagon.
After formally welcoming Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and his delegation, each males delivered ready remarks within the secretary’s workplace.
“As you already know, [President Donald J. Trump has] made clear in his administration [that] we’ll pursue peace by energy and put America first,” Hegseth stated.
“However that doesn’t imply ignoring partnerships; and, the truth is, it requires higher consideration to those that matter most,” he continued, including that the U.S. partnership with Saudi Arabia “issues an important deal.”
Referencing the cooperation that occurred between the nations throughout Trump’s first administration, Hegseth identified that each nations labored collectively to pursue safety and stability within the Center East, in addition to to fight terrorism within the area and improve mutual prosperity.
He additionally highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, noting that it dates again 80 years to when President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with Saudi King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud on the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Quincy.
“Since then, we have labored to tackle terrorism and all its manifestations in the present day, with teams just like the Houthis,” Hegseth stated.
“Right now, our relationship is a vital heart of gravity in a really turbulent world,” he added.
Stating that ending the struggle in Ukraine is without doubt one of the president’s prime priorities, Hegseth stated he wished to thank the Saudi Kingdom for internet hosting conversations between prime U.S. and Russian officers in Riyadh, Feb. 18, 2025.
“And I additionally wish to proceed deepening and strengthening our partnership to pursue safety and prosperity for each Individuals and Saudis. So, I am very a lot wanting ahead to an important dialogue,” Hegseth stated.
