NATO's Saudi Arabia engagement
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, in the first visit to Saudi Arabia from this office, signaled his desire to strengthen the Alliance's ties with the Riyadh administration.
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A statement was issued by NATO regarding Stoltenberg's visit to Saudi Arabia.
EMPHASIS ON COOPERATION
The statement, which emphasized that this was the first visit by a NATO Secretary General to the country, noted that Stoltenberg presented a vision for deeper cooperation between NATO and Saudi Arabia.
The statement indicated that Stoltenberg recently tasked a group of experts to review NATO's approach to the Gulf, the Middle East, and Africa, and that this is an opportunity to explore new avenues for cooperation.
STOLTENBERG'S CONTACTS
Stoltenberg participated in a public panel at the Saudi Armed Forces Command and Staff College, where he underscored the country's leading role in the Arab and Muslim world.
Noting that NATO and Saudi Arabia could cooperate more on maritime security, protection of critical infrastructure, and counter-terrorism, as well as innovation and military training, Stoltenberg also pointed to Iran's destabilizing influence in the region.
"I believe there is great potential for NATO to cooperate more with Saudi Arabia because we face common challenges," Stoltenberg said. Yesterday, Stoltenberg also met with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed El-Khuraiji and underscored the desire to strengthen ties.
Visiting the headquarters of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Stoltenberg discussed potential future avenues for cooperation with Chief Executive Officer Walid Abukhaled.
Stoltenberg later exchanged views with a group of politicians, think tank experts, and media representatives at a meeting hosted by Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center.