ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday embarked on a 3-day official visit to Saudi Arabia for talks on bilateral and regional issues, local state television PTV reported.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet Saudi dignitaries and have an audience with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, said a Foreign Ministry statement.

Gilani's visit to Saudi Arabia will contribute to further strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation in multiple domains between the two brotherly countries, it said.

"Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy close fraternal relations," the statement said.

Several ministers, senior officials and the foreign secretary are accompanying the Prime Minister during his Saudi visit.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Saudi Arabia last month during which he has met the Saudi King.