Article Posted on : - May 04, 2011

NEW DELHI (PTI): Looking to strengthen military ties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Defence Minister A K Antony would leave on May 7 for a three-day visit to the two nations to discuss a wide range of issues including global terror.

"During the visit the Minister would discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations with the two nations including global terror and anti-piracy efforts by Indian Navy in the Gulf of Aden," Defence Ministry officials said here.

Antony would be visiting Saudi Arabia a year after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the country during which he signed 10 important agreements, including a defence pact.

The two countries have already signed a counter terrorism cooperation agreement.

During the visit, India is expected to raise the issue of anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden and ways to deal with the threat.