RIYADH (AFP) - Middle East envoy Tony Blair met on Sunday with Saudi King Abdullah to discuss peace efforts in the region, the official SPA news agency reported.

Blair discussed with Abdullah "developments pertaining to the Palestinian issue and international efforts aimed at achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region," SPA said.

The former British prime minister serves as envoy of the Middle East Quartet comprising the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union.

His trip to Saudi Arabia comes ahead of a visit by US President George W. Bush to the oil powerhouse and key US ally on May 16 as part of a regional tour.

During a meeting in London on May 2, the Quartet called on Israel to stop building or expanding settlements in the West Bank, while voicing deep concern over the Gaza Strip due to an Israeli blockade.

The four key powers also urged Arab states to make good on pledges to help the Palestinians.

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