On November 2, 2026, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman telephoned Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The call aimed to strengthen defense cooperation and coordination between Riyadh and Canberra, affirming both governments' shared commitment to tackling contemporary regional security challenges and condemning Houthi terrorist attacks on the Kingdom.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the call in its November 1, 2026 release titled Prince Khalid bin Salman Calls Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles. The agency noted that the conversation, held on the 2nd of November, covered strategies to deepen military collaboration, explore joint training initiatives, and discuss intelligence sharing to enhance operational readiness.
A second SPA announcement, dated the same day and titled Defense Minister, Australian Counterpart Discuss Cooperation, Condemn Houthi Attacks in Phone Call, emphasized the bilateral exchange on regional threats. It highlighted that both ministers reaffirmed their joint pursuit of stability and security in the Middle East, while explicitly denouncing the Houthi assaults that have escalated tensions in Yemen and beyond.
The Houthi insurgency has intensified in recent months, with attacks on Saudi infrastructure prompting international condemnation. In the discussion, Prince Khalid underscored Saudi Arabia's reliance on partners like Australia for intelligence and deterrence, while Marles expressed Canberra's willingness to support counter‑terrorism operations in the Gulf region.
This phone contact reflects a broader trend of Saudi‑Australian strategic engagement. By publicly affirming their shared security agenda, the two nations signal a willingness to coordinate more closely against shared threats and to seek multilateral solutions to instability in the region. The statements from SPA will likely be mirrored in future diplomatic exchanges as both countries navigate evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Historically, Saudi Arabia and Australia have engaged in limited defense dialogue, focused largely on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The recent call marks a shift toward deeper military partnership, suggesting potential joint exercises and sharing of technological expertise, especially in areas such as cybersecurity and surveillance.
Analysts note that the timing of the call coincides with a Saudi‑Australia joint statement on trade earlier in the month, indicating a concerted effort to broaden cooperation beyond traditional sectors. The move may also be interpreted as a response to escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where maritime security is increasingly contested.
While SPA did not disclose specific details of any new agreements, the emphasis on "coordination" implies steps toward formalizing cooperation protocols. Observers anticipate that future diplomatic channels may explore joint naval patrols or shared intelligence platforms to counter piracy and extremism in the Gulf.
