Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, held talks here Sunday with visiting French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on prospects of expanding cooperation in defense and other vital sectors.

The meeting between Prince Salman and Le Drian highlighted the strong relations between the two countries, said an official statement carried by SPA.

The crown prince later hosted a luncheon in honor of the French minister, which was attended by Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin, Assistant Defense Minister Mohammed Al-Ayesh and Chief of Staff Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Binyan.

The French minister also met with National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif.

Prince Miteb received Le Drian at King Abdul Aziz National Guard Medical City in Riyadh, where Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is undergoing treatment.

During the meeting, Le Drian conveyed French President Francois Hollande’s good wishes for the king’s quick recovery.

Prince Miteb reassured Hollande about the king’s health,” SPA said.

Prince Miteb and Le Drian discussed prospects of cooperation between the National Guard and the French Defense Ministry.