Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Angela Merkel discuss improving relations

German Chancellor and Saudi monarch discussed issues including recent terror attacks in Europe and coming G20 summit in Riyadh

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, is received by Saudi King Salman on her arrival to Jeddah, Sunday, April 30, 2017. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday held discussions on ways to enhance relations and the importance of promoting tolerance between the followers of different religions.

They also discussed by phone the need to confront all forms of extremism and terrorism.

There has been anger in parts of the Muslim world over France's defence of the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.

Several terrorist attacks were carried out in France after anger over the defence of the caricatures as freedom of expression.

King Salman strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in France and Austria, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

He also strongly condemned the cartoons and called for freedom of expression to be a "moral value that promotes respect and coexistence among peoples, not a tool for spreading hatred and a cultural and civilisational clash", Spa reported.

He stressed the importance of working towards "rapprochement between followers of religions and civilisations, spreading the values of tolerance and moderation, and rejecting all forms of practices that generate hatred, violence and extremism".

King Salman and Mrs Merkel also discussed the G20 summit to be held in Riyadh this month.