Riyadh, November 16, 2023, In a diplomatic rendezvous on Wednesday, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and his French counterpart, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, convened in Riyadh to delve into the pressing issues surrounding Gaza and its surrounding areas. The paramount focus of the discussion was on the imperative need to halt military operations promptly, safeguard the lives of innocent civilians, and facilitate the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid.
During the meeting, Prince Khalid bin Salman underscored the critical nature of fostering strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. The discourse extended to encompass various facets of collaborative efforts in the military and defense sectors. Both ministers engaged in a comprehensive exchange of perspectives on regional and international developments, deliberating on concerted efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability.
The gathering was attended by high-profile figures, including Deputy Minister of Defense Abdurrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, and Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Khalid Biyari. Additionally, the Director-General of the Office of the Minister of Defense, Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, and Brigadier General Ibrahim bin Nasser Al-Mutawa, the military attaché at the Embassy of Paris and Bern, were also present.
Representing the French delegation were Ambassador to the Kingdom Ludovic Pouille, along with the minister’s military affairs office head, diplomatic advisor, and advisor for industrialization. The meeting served as a platform for in-depth discussions on collaborative endeavors and diplomatic initiatives between the two nations, signaling a commitment to addressing global challenges in a concerted manner.
