In Saudi Arabia, Obama, King Salman discuss regional conflicts, human rights issues

President Obama and Saudi Arabia's King Salman met for two hours Wednesday in Riyadh, with the White House saying the pair discussed their opposing views on regional conflicts, human rights issues in the kingdom, and the fight against the Islamic State.

"The two leaders reaffirmed the historic friendship and deep strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia," the White House said in a statement. "More broadly, the president and King discussed the challenges posed by Iran's provocative activities in the region, agreeing on the importance of an inclusive approach to de-escalating regional conflicts." The White House did not say if the pair talked about a proposed bill in Congress that could hold Saudi Arabia responsible for any role it may have played in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Reuters reports.

Obama and King Salman also talked about the situations in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and during a private meeting, Obama and Abu Dhabi's crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan discussed how to end the conflict in Yemen. Defense Secretary Ash Carter was also in the region to meet with his Gulf Arab counterparts and talk about Iran's influence in the region and the fight against ISIS.