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Prince Khalid bin Salman reviewed military and defense cooperation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in one of the calls. The pair discussed joint coordination regarding current regional developments in a manner that promotes regional and international security and stability while exploring several other topics of mutual interest. The Saudi minister detailed the conversation in a post on his official X account.
During a separate discussion with Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, Prince Khalid extended condolences over the deaths of Canadian military personnel in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The two ministers reviewed prospects for Saudi-Canadian defense cooperation and regional developments. They condemned Houthi attacks against the Kingdom and considered ways to strengthen joint action to support security and stability in the region.
Prince Khalid spoke with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about bilateral military and defense relations between the two countries. The officials coordinated on regional developments to achieve security and stability. Both sides condemned the Houthi terrorist attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi minister also conferred with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles on defense cooperation and opportunities to strengthen Saudi-Spanish relations. They reviewed regional developments following the Houthi attacks and efforts to promote security and stability. The ministry said the call highlighted shared positions on the need for enhanced partnership.
The discussions took place as the Iran-backed Houthi militia claimed six attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities including the Ras Tanura refinery and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree detailed the targets in a statement. Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles amid the escalation.[[1]](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/30/houthi-forces-claim-six-attacks-on-saudi-airports-oil-facilities)
Saudi Arabia has pursued closer defense ties with NATO in recent years on issues such as maritime security and counter-terrorism. The alliance has pointed to mutual challenges including Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region. A visit by the NATO secretary general to Riyadh in 2023 set out a vision for deeper cooperation between the sides.
