Saudi, UK to expand defense ties 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Defense Minister Prince Salman, who is on a multiday official visit to the UK, held talks with British counterpart Philip Hammond at the Defense Ministry headquarters in London and discussed prospects of expanding bilateral cooperation.

The talks were attended by Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Muhammad bin Nawaf, State Minister Musaed Al-Aiban, Air Force Commander Gen. Muhammad Al-Ayesh and other senior officials.

Hammond hosted a dinner banquet in honor of Prince Salman.

Prince Salman, who arrived in London Tuesday at the start of his visit, highlighted the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Britain.

"I am happy to meet Prime Minister David Cameron and top British officials during this visit," the Saudi minister said.

Prince Salman said Saudi-British relations reached new heights following the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to London in 2007. It was followed by a high-level exchange of visits between the two countries, he added.

He said his current visit was aimed at strengthening Saudi-British relations and bolstering peace and stability in the region.

He thanked Hammond for extending an invitation to him to visit the UK.

Prince Salman, meanwhile, held talks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague yesterday on the latest regional and international developments, Saudi Press Agency said.

They reviewed Saudi-British relations and explored ways to strengthen them.

Prince Salman also met with Permanent Defense Undersecretary Ursula Brennan.

He later visited the Saudi Embassy in London where he was welcomed by Prince Muhammad and top embassy officials.