Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and discussed defense cooperation between the two countries as well as regional developments.
Initiatives aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region were also discussed during Thursday's meeting.
13 countries join maritime alliance
Saudi Arabia announced the same day that 13 countries had formally joined the multinational defensive maritime alliance. The Saudi government said the move had brought the alliance into effective operation.
According to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the alliance's third planning meeting was held at the Western Fleet Command in the coastal city of Jeddah. Representatives from 39 countries attended the meeting.
The ministry described the meeting as an "important step" toward bringing the alliance into operation.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz increased amid the war between the United States and Iran. This heightened concerns that maritime shipping through the strategic waterway and global energy supplies could be disrupted.
Diplomatic initiatives aim to strengthen agreements on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.