Saudi-US summit kicks off at White House

US President Barack Obama on Friday received Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the first meeting since the Saudi monarch took office.

The White House said the two leaders would discuss several regional issues and ways to promote partnership between Washington and Riyadh, especially in the fields of security and counter-terrorism.

The Iranian file figured high on the agenda of the US-Saudi Arabia talks.

Obama was briefed on the reasons behind the Gulf countries' concern over the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran, and funds Tehran may receive under the nuclear deal that may be used to destabilize the region.

In a brief gathering with reporters in the Oval Office before the meeting, Obama said the talks come as the Middle East is going through challenging times.

"We share concerns about Yemen and the need to restore a functioning government that is inclusive and that can relieve the humanitarian situation," Obama said.

"We share concerns about the crisis in Syria and will have the opportunity to discuss how we can arrive at a political transition process within Syria that can finally end the horrific conflict there," he added.

He also said the US and Saudi Arabia would continue to cooperate closely in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly the fight against Daesh militants in Iraq and Syria.

Source: MENA