Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke by telephone with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman yesterday and praised the countries’ strategic relationship, Pentagon officials said in a written statement.
Carter underscored the U.S. commitment to the region and Saudi Arabia's security, emphasizing the importance of limiting civilian casualties when conducting airstrikes, the statement said.
“The two leaders agreed on the need to work toward a political solution in Yemen, and they discussed the importance of continuing to combat al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula,” the statement said. “They also promised to collaborate closely over the next several weeks to address security issues in the region.”