She later met with Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Napolitano is in Saudi Arabia for talks on global security and counter-terrorism issues, her office said prior to her departure from Washington. She is to travel to the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

A statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security said Napolitano would visit Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday and hold talks with "top Saudi officials about a variety of global security issues."

"While there, she will discuss counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization and cooperation on critical infrastructure protection, and deliver remarks to students and businesswomen about the importance of opportunities in education and the value of public service for women across the world," the statement said.

Napolitano will then travel on to the UAE for a meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, which brings together senior security officials worldwide to discuss ways to boost aviation security.

"The secretary will participate to build consensus on strengthening global aviation security, and to identify specific steps which nations can take individually and collectively to protect all passengers," the department said.