Bin Salman and Esper discuss military and defense cooperation

The two sides discussed in Riyadh on Tuesday, "areas of cooperation related to the military and defense aspect, developments in regional and international events, and coordination of efforts in this regard," the official SPA news agency reported.

The Pentagon was not available for comment on the details of the meeting.

This is the third meeting between "Esper", and a senior Saudi official since his arrival on a surprise visit on Monday, after the meeting of the Saudi king and his son on Tuesday, Deputy Defense Minister "Khalid bin Salman" discussed in separate meetings the defense issues and developments in the region.

A few days ago, the Pentagon announced its intention to send an additional 2,000 troops to Saudi Arabia, two squadrons and the Thad and Patriot defense systems, without specifying a timetable.

The Pentagon decision brings the number of US troops deployed in Saudi Arabia since the September Aramco attacks to 3,000.