Afghan president, Saudi king discuss Afghan conflict

Karzai met with King Abdullah and senior officials in Riyadh at the king's Janadriyah farm outside Riyadh, the official SPA news agency reported.

"They discussed international efforts to achieve security and stability in Afghanistan as well as the prospects for cooperation between the two countries," SPA reported.

Karzai was believed to be seeking Saudi help to persuade Taliban leaders into reconciliation talks, as well as asking for more financial aid for his country.

Early last year Saudi Arabia hosted secret discussions with Taliban and Afghan officials, which failed to achieve any breakthrough.

The Saudis have insisted that the Taliban stop protecting members of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan before they will give full support to any peace talks.

"We are aware of the urgent need to improve the security situation, because we believe that there can be no development without security and stability," Karzai said in an interview with Okaz newspaper published on Wednesday.