WASHINGTON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush met on Friday with visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and the two leader talked about issues such as the Middle East and energy, White House spokesman Tony Snow said at a briefing.

    "They are continuing to talk about areas of mutual concern, including counterterrorism, military affairs, energy, consular affairs, regional concerns," Snow said.

    The meeting, attended by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, is expected to discuss issues concerning Iran, Iraq and the Middle East peace process.

    Rice met with Saud on Thursday and they discussed regional and global issues of interest for the second strategic dialogue between the two countries.

    Saudi Arabia has been a U.S. ally in the Middle East. Enditem