PM to discuss security, ink extradition treaty with S Arabia

India and Saudi Arabia will discuss security cooperation and combating extremism in the region during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's maiden visit to the oil-rich Kingdom later this week when the two countries will also sign an extradition treaty

Singh will lead a high-level delegation of senior ministers, officials and businessmen to Saudi Arabia from February 27 to March 1, and will hold talks with King Abdullah on a number of bilateral and regional matters of mutual concern.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Talmiz Ahmad told the media that the talks will also focus on Palestine, besides the situation in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.

"Security cooperation will constitute the basis of our dialogue. Both countries are extremely concerned about the rise of extremism and violence, directly threatening our security," he said.