WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- President George W. Bush will meet King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Thursday in New York for bilateral relations, regional security and economy, said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

    "They will talk about the continued strong U.S.-Saudia bilateral relationship, as well as issues related to regional security," said Johndroe, adding "a number of issues -- energy and the world economy are related."

    King Abdullah is going to take part in the G20 summit scheduled on Saturday in Washington. The G20 represents most of the world's economy and population, including the developed G7 and fast-growing emerging economies, such as China and Brazil.

    "Saudi Arabia is a member of the G20, so this is going to be a discussion that all of the world leaders will be able to have together as to what are the root causes of the current situation we are in," he told reporters when asked whether Washington wants the oil-rich country to donate money to bolster U.S. companies stalled in the economic crisis.

    "And then what are some basic outlines or principles and then potential actions that can be taken at this first in what is likely to be a series of word summits," Johndroe added.

    The United States and Saudi Arabia have long-standing economic and defense ties since the two set up a full diplomatic relationship in 1933. But the U.S.-Saudi relationship were strained after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which claimed some 3,000 lives. Reports showed that 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudi nationals.