Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks in Riyadh on Tuesday with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the Saudi state news agency reported.
Prince Mohammed and Mr Larijani reviewed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Mr Larijani's visit to the Saudi capital came at a time of heightened regional tension following Israel's attack on Qatar last week and the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, National Security Adviser Masaed Al Aiban, and head of Gen Intelligence Khalid Al Humaidan were also present at the meeting between the Crown Prince and the Iranian delegation, SPA said.
Mr Larijani was accompanied by his deputy for political affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, and Mohammad Alibak, an aide to the Foreign Minister.
Iranian news agency Irna said before the meeting that discussions on expanding economic co-operation between the countries would also be high on the agenda.
Saudi Arabia is the third regional destination Mr Larijani has visited since assuming his role on August 5, following visits to Iraq and Lebanon. Prince Khalid travelled to Tehran in April, a rare visit by a senior Saudi official, marking another step in diplomacy between the two regional powers.
Mr Larijani made clear in his Beirut visit in August that Tehran expects Hezbollah’s arsenal to remain intact, as Iran sees an increasing risk of war with Israel, political and security sources told The National at the time. Mr Larijani met Iraqi leaders in Baghdad before heading to Beirut, delivering a similar message to Tehran’s allies, the sources added.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani met Mr Larijani and emphasised “Iraq's diligent efforts to develop relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and strengthen productive partnerships in various areas”.
