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PM Brown in talks with Saudi king Brown in 'positive' Saudi talks
(about 3 hours later)
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has met King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in Downing Street, as protests over the monarch's visit continue. Gordon Brown's talks with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia were very positive, British officials have said.
During the second day of the state visit, the king and Mr Brown discussed counter-terrorism, the Middle East, Iraq and Iran. They say there was a "meeting of minds" in the discussions which included the Middle East peace process and a planned US-sponsored peace conference.
The face-to-face meeting came after Mr Brown attended a ceremonial welcome for the king, and banquet with the Queen. Officials said human rights were not raised at the meeting between the prime minister and the king at Number 10.
Protests against Saudi Arabia's human rights record are due to continue. Protests have taken place over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and arms deals during the king's state visit.
Ahead of the meeting, Downing Street said Mr Brown would "raise issues he believes to be appropriate", but the Foreign Office said it would not be dominated by human rights concerns. Saudi leadership
Mr Brown shook hands on the steps of Number 10 with the king who waved to photographers. Mr Brown and King Abdullah discussed their expectations for the peace conference in Maryland but the monarch did not give a clear indication whether his country would be represented.
Protest boycott The prime minister emphasised the importance the UK attaches to Saudi leadership in the Middle East.
They both agreed that a viable Palestinian state was key to a solution in the region.
Counter-terrorism was discussed and the prime minister thanked the king for Saudi efforts on the issue.
However, there did not appear to be any specific discussion of the king's claim in a BBC interview earlier this week that the UK had not tackled terrorism with sufficient seriousness.
King Abdullah had also said the UK failed to act on intelligence passed by the Saudis ahead of the 7 July suicide bombings in London - a claim denied by the Foreign Office.
Education was high on the agenda, including its use as a tool to counter radicalisation in Saudi Arabia.
Officials said human rights in Saudi Arabia have been raised at other meetings during the king's time in the UK.
Trade partner
Protests, which are set to continue, have included a boycott of the king's visit by acting Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable.
Demonstrators also lined the route near Horse Guards Parade when King Abdullah received a ceremonial welcome from the Queen on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia is a major trade partner with the UK - a relationship that came under scrutiny when the British government stopped a Serious Fraud Office corruption inquiry into the Al-Yamamah arms deal with BAE Systems.Saudi Arabia is a major trade partner with the UK - a relationship that came under scrutiny when the British government stopped a Serious Fraud Office corruption inquiry into the Al-Yamamah arms deal with BAE Systems.
Protests so far have included a boycott by the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, and demonstrators lining the route near Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday while the royal welcome was held. In a speech at a state banquet hosted by the Queen, the king spoke of the "ominous signs of war and conflict in the world".
The king has been criticised for his country's human rights record
In a speech at the state banquet hosted by the Queen on Tuesday, the king spoke of the "ominous signs of war and conflict in the world".
His earlier remarks about the 7 July terror attacks have heightened the controversy surrounding the trip.
The Foreign Office rebutted the king's claims, made in a BBC interview, that Saudi authorities had provided information that could have prevented the London bombings.
The Queen, in her banquet speech, said the UK and Saudi Arabia must work together against terrorists "who threaten the way of life of our citizens".The Queen, in her banquet speech, said the UK and Saudi Arabia must work together against terrorists "who threaten the way of life of our citizens".
During his visit, the king will also meet Prince Charles to discuss the Prince's Trust and will attend a banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor at the Guildhall, before returning home on Thursday.
The last visit by a Saudi king to the UK was 20 years ago.The last visit by a Saudi king to the UK was 20 years ago.