In Riyadh on 2 November 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman phoned Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to talk about ways to strengthen defence cooperation and coordination between the two friendly countries. The call was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on the same day, confirming the discussion focused on mutual defence interests and shared security priorities amid ongoing regional turmoil.
The conversation began with both leaders reaffirming their joint commitment to confronting current regional challenges that threaten stability. The Saudi attendant highlighted the need for coordinated approaches to emerging security threats, specifically referencing the broader context of the Middle East. In turn, the Australian counterpart echoed the importance of a united stance, noting that both nations share a responsibility to support regional security and stability.
Central to the call was a condemnation of recent attacks carried out by the Houthi movement, which the Saudi Press Agency noted “terrorist” actions against the Kingdom. Prince Khalid underscored that the Houthi attacks posed a direct threat to national security, and the Australian Defence Minister agreed that such acts “must be met with a coordinated response.” The two leaders shared an intent to collaborate against the insurgent group’s efforts to destabilise the Sahel and surrounding regions.
It was also discussed that enhancing defence cooperation could include joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and technological exchange. Prince Khalid suggested that both governments explore collaborative partnerships to improve capabilities in cyber security, maritime surveillance, and rapid response operations. While the specific modalities were not detailed, the Saudi Press Agency report indicated that the two sides are open to exploring common strategies to address shared threats.
Prince Khalid concluded the call by thanking the Australian minister for Australia’s strong partnership with Saudi Arabia. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s pride in maintaining a longstanding defence friendship with the Commonwealth nation, illustrating the close political and military ties between the two states. The Australian prime minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued defence collaboration, acknowledging that shared commitments ultimately benefit the Western Pacific region as well.
For Saudi Arabia, the conversation aims to reinforce alliances in a period where regional insurgencies challenge the Arab world’s security architecture. The call signaled a united front between Saudi Arabia and Australia, both of which look to maintain resilience against shifts in regional power dynamics. As the Saudi press covered the dialogue, it positioned the discussion as a step toward tighter bilateral security cooperation while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the Houthi movement.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles’ response highlighted not only solidarity with Saudi Arabia but also a broader commitment to other allies in the Middle East. Marles noted that Australia is likewise engaged in close defence collaboration with other partners to mitigate instability in the region. The call, as reported, suggests an ongoing commitment to a multilateral approach focused on deterrence, rapid joint response, and maintaining stability for the broader neighbourhood.
In summary, the telephone exchange between Prince Khalid bin Salman and Richard Marles on 2 November 2026 underscored the shared resolve of Saudi Arabia and Australia to strengthen defence cooperation and coordinate responses to emergent threats. The call also reaffirmed the condemnation of Houthi attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed an allied vision for regional stability.
