During the visit, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality shown by Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of developing closer ties between NATO and the Kingdom. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s influential role in the Arab and Muslim world and expressed interest in enhancing dialogue and cooperation in various areas, including maritime security, freedom of navigation, protection of critical infrastructure, and the fight against terrorism. The Secretary General extended an invitation for His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to visit NATO Headquarters in Brussels in early 2024, further demonstrating the commitment to strengthening relations between the two entities.
In addition to meeting with the Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, Secretary General Stoltenberg also engaged in discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji, Chairman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh al-Ruwaili, and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. These meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional security challenges and explore potential avenues for collaboration. The Secretary General also participated in a public discussion at the Saudi Armed Forces and Staff College, visited the headquarters of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), and engaged with a group of policymakers, think tank experts, and media representatives to gain insights into the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The visit to Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone as it was the first ever by a sitting Secretary General of NATO, underscoring the importance of building strong partnerships with key allies in the Middle East. The discussions held during the visit reflected a mutual commitment to promoting stability and security in the region through enhanced cooperation on various fronts. By exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as maritime security and counterterrorism, NATO and Saudi Arabia are working towards strengthening their strategic partnership and addressing common challenges.
Overall, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Riyadh served as a platform for fostering dialogue, deepening cooperation, and building trust between NATO and Saudi Arabia. The discussions and engagements during the visit laid the groundwork for future collaboration in key areas of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing regional security and addressing shared threats. By extending invitations for further meetings and visits, both parties signaled their commitment to advancing their partnership and working together towards common goals. The visit underscored the importance of maintaining strong alliances and partnerships in addressing complex security challenges in the region and beyond.
