ISTANBUL (Anadolu Agency)

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman on Thursday discussed defense cooperation and efforts for regional stability with his Canadian counterpart David McGuinty.

According to a statement from the Saudi Defense Ministry, Khalid bin Salman met McGuinty in the city of Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed Saudi-Canadian relations and discussed bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries in the military and defense fields, according to the Saudi statement.

They also discussed regional developments and efforts related to them, contributing to achieving security and stability in the region and the world.

Earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia and Canada agreed to establish a joint coordination council as a platform to advance bilateral relations, as part of three memorandums of understanding exchanged on the sidelines of the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in 26 years.

This came after a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).