http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=128652&d=20&m=11&y=2009
Friday 20 November 2009 (03 Dhul Hijjah 1430
Kingdom, US sign pact
Arab News
WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia and the United States have discussed prospects
of expanding military cooperation during a strategic meeting attended by Prince
Khaled bin Sultan, assistant minister of defense and aviation for military
affairs, it was announced on Thursday.
The Saudi Press Agency said the two sides signed an agreement following a
meeting of the Saudi-American Strategic Planning Committee. Prince Khaled and
US Deputy Defense Secretary Michele Flournoy signed the pact.
"The committee held a meeting at the Pentagon under the co-chairmanship
of Prince Khaled and Flournoy," said SPA. "The meeting reviewed military
cooperation and ways to realize the joint interests of both countries."
On Tuesday, Prince Khaled held talks with US Defense Secretary Robert
Gates. SPA, which reported the meeting Wednesday, did not give any details. But
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell stated before the meeting that the two
officials would "discuss a range of bilateral defense and regional security
issues."
Prince Khaled earlier met with Saudi military students pursuing higher
studies in the United States. The meeting took place at the office of the Saudi
military attaché in Washington.
Speaking to the students, the minister said Saudi armed forces had taught
the infiltrators a lesson. "They will now think 10 times before trying to make
another incursion into the Kingdom's territory," SPA quoted the prince as
saying.
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