Turmoil across the Middle East, with special reference to the fight against terror groups such as the Islamic State (IS), will top the agenda of talks between Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday.

Steinmeier arrived in Jeddah Sunday evening.

“Steinmeier will hold talks with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal on a range of bilateral and regional issues during his two-day visit to the Kingdom,” said Michael Ohnmacht, deputy head of the German mission.

German Ambassador Boris Ruge and Ohnmacht are currently camping in Jeddah to welcome their foreign minister. The visit is intended to develop and strengthen relations between the two countries.

“Close coordination between the two governments is, therefore, in our mutual interest and becoming evermore important,” said the diplomat.

The discussions will focus on the unrest in Syria, the Middle East peace process, the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq and Yemen,” said Ohnmacht.

The German foreign minister will also meet with Iyad Madani, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with an aim of finding common ground for OIC-German cooperation.

The German foreign minister will later attend a discussion with Saudi women engaged in different fields of civil society.

Before flying into Saudi Arabia, Steinmeier said in a statement on Sunday: “Saudi Arabia plays a central role in facing crises in the region. In fighting IS, it will be crucial to reach an understanding and develop a common political strategy above and beyond military action.”

“Through hosting the conference in Jeddah on Sept. 12, which brought together regional players together for the first time, and through the important participation in the international alliance in the fight against IS, Saudi Arabia adopted a leadership role in the region,” said Steinmeier.

He further noted that joint action against IS, as well as the overall situation in the Middle East, will be central topics of discussion during his trip to Jeddah.

Germany is currently working to convince more countries to participate actively in the fight against IS. The differences in the Middle East need to be set aside to ensure a united front against IS, he said.

Germany is a major European nation, while Saudi Arabia is a leading player in a key region. The Kingdom is a member of the G20, a driving force in the Arab League and a leading power in the region.