Saudi King stresses expansion of ties with Iran

Riyadh, March 16, IRNA

Saudi King Abdullah said on Sunday that Riyadh attaches great
importance to its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a meeting with Iran?s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, he added
that the Saudi government and nation respect the Iranian people and
government.

He added that Tehran-Riyadh relation is based on Islamic beliefs and
brotherly ties.

King Abdullah further referred to the key role being played by both
Iran and Saudi Arabia in supporting the issues related to the World of
Islam.

For his part, the Iranian foreign minister underlined the need for
further expansion of all-out ties between the two Muslim states.

The Mideast region is in need of further consultations between the two
large regional states of Iran and Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that
the enemies are making great efforts to sow discord among Muslim states.

The pivot of all regional disputes and challenges is the Zionist
regime, Mottaki said, underlining the need for countering the
Zionists? conspiracies in the region.

Mottaki, heading a political delegation, arrived in Riyadh Sunday
afternoon to review the issues of mutual interests as well as the
latest regional developments with senior Saudi officials.