US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman attend a Pentagon arrival ceremony. AP
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman attend a Pentagon arrival ceremony. AP
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman attend a Pentagon arrival ceremony. AP
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman attend a Pentagon arrival ceremony. AP

Saudi Defence Minister holds talks at the Pentagon


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US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin met his Saudi equivalent Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

Prince Khalid is visiting Washington this week as the Israel-Gaza war continues.

"Secretary Austin emphasised US commitment to the territorial defence of the kingdom, and to reinforcing and expanding a strong, bilateral defence partnership," the Pentagon said.

"He expressed deep thanks for the Minister of Defence's leadership, including sustained support and co-ordination in working toward a durable peace for Yemen.

"He also commended Saudi humanitarian support to Ukraine, and efforts in Sudan to host diplomatic talks and support of evacuation operations."

Prince Khalid then met Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department.

On Monday, he met White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan for talks focused on continuing efforts to strengthen the defence partnership between Washington and Riyadh, and the need to increase humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, the White House said.

Mr Austin spoke to Prince Khalid about the need for the "protection of civilians and unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza", the Pentagon said.

Both leaders agreed to work together towards preventing regional escalation, it said.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. EPA
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. EPA
SQUADS

South Africa:
JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed

Fixtures
Oct 26: Bloemfontein
Oct 29: Potchefstroom

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Updated: November 01, 2023, 9:35 PM