Obama, Saudi King Abdullah Urge Iran Over Nuclear Program

U.S. President Barack Obama and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah met at the White House on June 29.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah have voiced "strong support" for international efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program, which the West says masks a secret drive to develop an atomic bomb-making capability.

The White House said in a statement that Obama and Abdullah also expressed hope "proximity talks between Israelis and Palestinians will lead to the resumption of direct talks with the aim of two states living side-by-side in peace and security."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs reported that the Saudi leader assured Obama of his continued backing for the Arab Middle East peace initiative that he introduced in 2002 and which includes recognition for Israel in exchange for occupied territories and a Palestinian state.

compiled from Reuters reports