Perry pictured with falcon, sword during trek to Saudi Arabia

Energy Secretary Rick Perry was pictured holding a falcon and a sword on Monday during his trip to Saudi Arabia to meet his counterpart there to discuss a partnership focused on advancing clean energy initiatives.

Perry met with Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid al-Falih. The two signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a framework for the two countries to work together on clean fossils fuels and carbon management, the Department of Energy said.

“Together through the development of clean energy technologies our two countries can lead the world in promoting economic growth and energy production in an environmentally responsible way,” Perry said in a statement.

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While in Saudi Arabia, Perry was spotted barefoot in the desert, posing at one point for a photo while holding a falcon. In another image shared by al-Falih, Perry is seen holding a sword.

أشكر معالي @SecretaryPerry على هذه الزيارة الهامة ل #المملكة لدعم مسيرة التعاون بين البلدين الصديقين في مجالات #الطاقة ، هذا التعاون يحمل إمكانات لا حدود لها pic.twitter.com/3bJEELIEUK

— خالد الفالح|Al-Falih (@Khalid_AlFalih) December 4, 2017

The Saudi energy minister said the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia “holds limitless potential.”

To achieve the goals laid out in the memorandum of understanding, the two countries will exchange experts, engineers, scientists and technology, according to a press release from the Department of Energy.

Perry was a controversial pick to lead the Energy Department, and has previously expressed support for continuing use of fossil fuels. 

The department earlier this year announced it was closing the Office of International Climate and Technology, which works with U.S. allies to reduce greenhouse gasses.