On 2 November 2026, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman made a telephone call to Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to talk about ways to strengthen defence cooperation. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the call took place in Riyadh, where both leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to addressing current regional challenges.
The Saudi Press Agency reports that the ministers discussed cooperation and coordination between the two friendly countries. They also exchanged views on supporting security and stability in the region, highlighting a shared concern over the security situation.
Significantly, the call included a condemnation of the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Both officials denounced the "terrorist" attacks and pledged to continue working together against such threats. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the ministers reaffirmed their resolve to counter the Houthi threat and to safeguard the Kingdom’s security.
This communication marks a fresh step in Saudi‑Australian defence ties, following a series of bilateral visits and joint military exercises over the past few years. The ministers’ conversation emphasised the importance of continued high‑level dialogue and the pursuit of stronger interoperability between the two militaries.
