The visiting Defence Minister A.K. Antony will hold comprehensive talks on defence cooperation with his counterpart and the Saudi Defence Minister Prince Salman in Riyadh today.

Talking to newsmen in Riyadh he said the two countries are witnessing rapidly growing relations in the fields of politics, economy, energy and other sectors. The Defence Minister called on the Saudi King and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Riyadh on Monday. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues.

During the talks, the Defence Minister expressed India’s solidarity with the Saudi Kingdom and hope for peace and stability in the region. He conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to King Abdullah who reciprocated his greetings for India.

The talks were attended by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Salman, Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Saudi Minister of state and commander of the National Guard Prince Mite bin Abdullah among others. The Indian delegation comprised of the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Hamid Ali Rao, Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and the three deputy Chiefs from Army, Airforce and the Navy.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting in Riyadh, the Defence Minister said his talks with King Abdullah covered several bilateral issues from economy to politics and defence cooperation. He singled out terrorism and piracy as major problems facing the region that lies in India's extended neighborhood.

Mr. Antony said international community will have to jointly fight the menace of terrorism, which is of grave concern to global peace and stability. In this context, he emphasized the need for closer cooperation in defence as Saudi Arabia and India.

The Defence Minister also interacted with the Indian community members at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Monday.