RIYADH, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The head of Saudi Arabia's religious police on Tuesday met a Western human rights delegation in what is thought to be the first such meeting in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

The official Saudi news agency SPA said the delegation from U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) on a rare fact-finding mission to Saudi Arabia met Sheikh Ibrahim al-Ghaith of the Authority for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

"Friendly conversation was exchanged during the meeting, as well as discussion of some issues of common concern," it said. Western diplomats say the body usually declines to meet them.

The morals police have for years been a major bone of contention for rights groups, who often criticise Saudi Arabia over religious freedom, freedom of expression, the use of the death penalty and public beheading.

Saudi Arabia says its system of Islamic laws ensure full rights for Muslims and non-Muslims.

With powers to prevent drugs, alcohol and prostitution, the body's bearded members roam Saudi streets to make sure unrelated men and women do not mix and shops close during daily prayers.

Recently there has been domestic pressure for them to ease their zeal as Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and the world's biggest oil producer, embarks on a cautious reform programme.

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