KACST-defense partnership pledged

Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan has said that the existing cooperation between the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Ministry of Defense will be enhanced to develop new areas of technological and scientific developments in the Kingdom.
The prince made this statement when he visited the KACST headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. On arrival at KACST, Prince Khaled was received by KACST President Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel, KACST Vice President for Reasearch and Development Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al-Saud, Vice President for KACST scientific research Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Suwailem and other key officials of the city.
During the visit, the deputy defense minister was taken on a tour to the various facilities of KACST and was shown how the city's new projects are being implemented. He was also shown a documentary which highlighted the development strides of the organization.
Al-Suwaiyel welcomed the prince on behalf of the organization.
Making his observations after visiting the facility, Prince Khaled said that currently, KACST and the ministry of defense are cooperating with each other in projects such as desalination and supply of solar energy. He added that more areas could be developed with a proper rapport between the two bodies. He also lauded the continuous efforts of KACST in promoting science and technology as envisaged by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Appreciating the services rendered by KACST as an important center in the Middle East, the prince hoped that the organization would become a global center through its progressive efforts in the field of science and technology. He said that he would extend his full cooperation to KACST in its efforts to make this country a knowledge-based nation.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is an independent scientific organization administratively reporting to the prime minister.
It is both the Saudi Arabian national science agency and its national laboratories. The science agency function involves science and technology policy-making, data collection, funding of external research and services such as the patent office.