French Defence Minister begins two day visit to Saudi Arabia

French Defence Minister Herve Morin is beginning a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, considered an important customer for the French defence industry. 

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A diplomatic source says Morin was due to meet Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan in the Red Sea city of Jeddah to discuss "questions of regional security and cooperation on defence."

The French minister is also expected to meet King Abdullah. In July last year, France and Saudi Arabia reached agreement on the sale to the Saudi airforce of three Airbus A330-MRTT military refuelling planes.

The two countries are also discussing the possible acquisition by the Saudi navy of helicopters and three FREMM frigates.