RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with his British counterpart, Grant Shapps, in Riyadh on Wednesday, during which they discussed strategic relations between their countries and ways to bolster military and defense cooperation.

They also reviewed the latest developments in Israel’s increasing military operations in Gaza, and Prince Khalid emphasized the need to deescalate the conflict, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, and the UK’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Neil Crompton, were also present at the meeting, along with officials from the Saudi Defense Ministry.