Saudi Arabian Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his accompanying delegation arrived in the French capital, Paris, Wednesday on an official visit, upon the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

During the visit, the Defense Minister will meet several French officials to discuss areas of cooperation and joint coordination between the two friendly countries, and topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

At the national military museum of France (Les Invalides) in Paris, the French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu received the visiting Saudi Minister on Wednesday.

An official reception was held in honor of Prince Khalid bin Salman in the Ceremonial Square, during which the guard of honor was passed in review and the national anthems were played.

The two Ministers then held an official discussion during which they reviewed the strategic relations between the two countries, military and defense cooperation and ways to enhance and develop it, as well as their countries’ common vision for the security and stability of the region.

The two sides also discussed the latest regional and international developments.

Following the discussions, a draft executive plan for cooperation in military industries, and research and development was signed by the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France.

The Saudi Minister concluded his visit by writing a statement in the official visitors’ book of the office of French Minister of Armed Forces.

The discussions were attended by Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Minister of Defense Eng. Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Saudi Ambassador to France Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, and several other officials from both sides.