Riyadh | BETH – 02 Ramadan 1447 AH, corresponding to February 19, 2026

News
In implementation of the order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, awarded in his office in Riyadh the former Commander of the United States Central Command, retired General Michael Kurilla, the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Deputy Minister of Defense; the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili; and the Advisor to the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif.

BETH Commentary | Significance of the Honor
This honor comes as an official gesture of appreciation for the course of security and military cooperation between Riyadh and Washington.
In the current context of intersecting regional tensions, the medal carries a dual message:

Consolidating the defense partnership with the United States on the basis of institutional continuity, not merely individuals.

Affirming Saudi Arabia’s approach to honoring professional roles that have contributed to stability and to strengthening cooperation between the two countries, thereby enhancing mutual trust and framing cooperation within clear rules and shared responsibilities.