U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday and emphasized that the U.S. was committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory and people, the Pentagon said in a statement.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and President Joe Biden.
The two top defense leaders discussed “regional security, particularly efforts to end the war in Yemen,” according to the Pentagon.
Secretary Austin thanked the Crown Prince for working closely and constructively with U.S. Special Envoy Tim Lenderking to end the war in Yemen.
Secretary Austin noted Saudi Arabia’s recent successes in defeating Houthi attacks on the Kingdom “and discussed ongoing bilateral efforts to improve Saudi Arabia’s defenses,” the Pentagon said.
The U.S. also called Saudi Arabia “an important pillar in the regional security architecture and the U.S. remains committed to its self-defense.”
[Lead Photo: Then-CENTOM Chief Austin with then-Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Tim Lenderking in Riyadh in 2015]
