Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Ministry of Defense hosted the eighth meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Dragon Group member states in Riyadh on Sunday.

The Saudi Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili inaugurated the meeting, which discussed topics of common interest. These included the fight against terrorism, developments in the Palestinian territories, the importance of delivering humanitarian aid, and efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

The participants emphasized the importance of securing and protecting maritime navigation, ensuring the safety and security of waterways, and strengthening efforts to combat smuggling and piracy.

The Dragon Group is an annual forum for Middle East defense chiefs from 10 countries in addition to the GCC General Secretariat. The meeting was attended by the Chiefs of Staff and representatives of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in addition to the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.