March 2, 2007, RFE/RL -- An Iranian diplomat has confirmed reports that Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad will travel to Saudi Arabia on March 3 for talks on regional issues and bilateral ties.

Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Hosseini, is quoted by Iran's official news agency, IRNA, as saying that during the one-day official trip, Ahmadinejad will meet with King Abdullah and other Saudi officials.

The two-day visit comes at a time of political crisis in Lebanon, continued sectarian violence in Iraq and also increased international pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.

The Saudi-Iranian meeting also comes against a backdrop of reports suggesting that Sunni-led governments -- including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan -- are eager to forestall purported efforts by Iran's Shi'ite government to increase its influence in the region.

Saudi Arabia will host a summit of the Arab League in late March.

(IRNA)

... Payvand News - 3/2/07 ... --