KSA, Singapore seek to bolster security ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Singapore have pledged to work together to boost security cooperation and fight terrorism following talks between senior Saudi and Singaporean officials.

“The two countries have directed their respective security agencies to work closely to combat the menace of terrorism,” said a statement released by the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, following talks between Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif and K. Shanmugam, Singapore Minister of Home Affairs and Law.

Their discussion mainly focused on “bilateral security cooperation and terrorism threats,” said the statement.

During his three-day stay in Riyadh, which concluded on Monday, the Singaporean minister also held wide-ranging talks with Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Howairini, the head of the Presidency of State Security.

Shanmugam conveyed Singapore’s “strong condemnation of the recent Houthi missile attack on the Saudi capital” and expressed his hope that steps will be taken by all parties to resolve the region’s conflicts so that the suffering of people caught up in those conflicts can be brought to an end.

The two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

“The high frequency of visits is a testament to the strength of bilateral relations,” Anderson said. “As Saudi Arabia embarks on the path of reform guided by Vision 2030, Singapore can participate by sharing its own developmental experiences in relevant areas and having Singaporean companies contribute their expertise.”