(VOVworld) – The US will strengthen its sustainable, strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia despite their recent discords over Iran’s controversial nuclear program and Syria’s political crisis.
In a reception on Thursday for Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Sultan, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel underscored the importance of bilateral military cooperation and reiterated Washington’s commitment to regional security.

The longtime alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia became tense in 2011 due to escalating turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabia was skeptical of Washington’s reactions to the Syrian crisis and its efforts to constrain Iran’s nuclear development.