French defence minister holds Saudi talks

French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet held talks Saturday with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh on bolstering ties between their ministries, SPA state news agency reported. The meeting focused on "strengthening bilateral relations and existing partnerships between the defence ministries" of the two countries, SPA quoted defence minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz as saying. He lauded "solid relations between the two countries (which) go back to 1926, based on common interests." SPA cited Longuet commending the oil-rich kingdom for its stability which enables it to play a global "vital role", stressing Paris' "keenness to strengthen its partnership with the kingdom in various fields." Last month, French defence group Nexter announced receiving a Saudi order for 73 Aravis armoured vehicles, in the first successful deal for the product outside France.