RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a military partnership agreement with the US National Guard units from Indiana and Oklahoma, aimed at strengthening defence and security cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
The initiative, which is part of the US Department of Defence’s State Partnership Programme, aims to bolster defence and security cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and senior US officials, including General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
The partnership will focus on several key areas: developing joint defence capabilities, enhancing the operational readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, conducting joint military exercises, advancing leadership development and strategic planning, and improving coordination in emergency response and disaster management.
Plans comprise joint field training, officer exchange programmes, and workshops on artificial intelligence and crisis management.
The states of Indiana and Oklahoma were selected for their expertise in military training, leadership development, and disaster response.
Al-Ruwaili lauded the partnership as a historic and strategic investment that will strengthen the Saudi Armed Forces and reinforce their role as a reliable partner in regional security.
US officials also emphasised the significance of the agreement for long-term defence cooperation between the two nations.
