Iranian president: our relations with Saudi Arabia are strategic

The Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has described Iranian- Saudi relations as " strategic relations " and of having a great effect on the future of the Middle East region.

During his meeting with the Saudi minister of the Interior prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, the Iranian President considered that the recent years witnessed the serious will and the good intention by the two countries to develop their relations.

The Saudi minister of the Interior prince Nayef and his Iranian counterpart Abdul Wahid Lari signed a security cooperation agreement between the two countries.

Well-informed sources said that talks which preceded the signing ceremony were constructive and are an example to be followed by the countries of the region.

Meantime, a United Arab Emirates UAE delegation on Tuesday held talks with King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and high ranking Saudi officials.

In Jeddah, King Fahd received chief of staff of the United Arab Emirates UAE army Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed al-Nahyan who had earlier met with the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.

The Saudi news agency said that Sheikh Muhammad conveyed to King Fahd and the Saudi crown prince " greetings and appreciation of the UAE President and UAE crown prince."

Gulf diplomatic sources expected Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed to have had explained to the Saudi leaders the Iranian behaviors in the region, especially the military maneuvers in the three UAE islands.

The UAE official was accompanied by a delegation included Sheikh Saeed Bin Zayed and several UAE ranking officials.