Riyadh: India and Saudi Arabia will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on combating terrorism and crime.

This emerged at a meeting between Civil Aviation Minister and leader to the Indian Haj delegation Shahnawaz Hussain and the Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif-bin- Abdul Aziz on February 12.

Hussain extended an invitation to the Saudi Minister on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani to visit India, which he accepted.

The Saudi Minister would visit India shortly, when the MoU would be signed, sources said adding documents have already been exchanged.

Hussain also referred to the terrorist violence inspired from across the border and urged the Kingdom to use its moderating influence over "our neighbour".

He appreciated the arrangements made for Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Minister also reciprocated praising the arrangements made by the Indian Embassy here for Indian pilgrims.

Discussing the current situation in the region, Hussain urged the Saudi government to take care of the interests of 1.5 million Indians in the Kingdom in case of a war in Iraq.

The Saudi Minister assured him that keeping in view the traditions and practices all co-operation would be extended to India and those that may come from neighbouring countries like Kuwait.

PTI