RIYADH, Nov. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Saudi Arabia and the United States vowed on Sunday to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism, rebuilding Iraq and reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, according to reports reaching here.

    During a joint news conference with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Saudi Red Sea port city of Jeddah, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said the two sides have agreed to further cooperate in the battle against terrorism, pledging more anti-terrorism measures.

    Rice, on her part, urged Saudi Arabia to do more to combat terrorism.

    "We have made progress but there is always more progress that can be made and I am certain that the Saudi government can do better. I'm certain that all of us can do better," Rice said. As to the rebuilding of Iraq after the US-led invasion in 2003, Faisal said Saudi Arabia would contribute 1 billion US dollars to Iraq's reconstruction.

    He also called for national unity in Iraq, adding that his fears that rising sectarian disputes might lead to a civil war in Iraq have been greatly eased since the US and the Iraqi government have exerted more efforts in bringing the Sunnis, largely estranged in the country's political arena, back to the fold.

    In addition, the two sides also agreed to continue to help revive the long-stalled Middle East peace process, stressing the importance of solving the conflict to ensure regional stability. The two sides also pledged to cooperate in military affairs, energy, trade and education.

    Relations between the world top oil producer and the US have been frayed as the majority of the Sept. 11, 2001 suicide attackers were found to be Saudis.

    Rice has left Saudi Arabia on Sunday for Jerusalem to meet with Israeli officials. She is also to visit the West Bank city of Ramallah and hold talks with Palestinian leaders on Monday in an effort to boost Mideast peace efforts. Enditem