Iran, Saudi Arabia Review Plans to Restore Ties
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Top diplomats from Iran and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed determination to mend relations between their respective countries, facilitate mutual cooperation and reopen their diplomatic missions.
In a telephone conversation on Friday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud talked about the implementation of an agreement that the two countries signed in Beijing in March to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies.
Amirabdollahian said Iran has made the necessary arrangements for the official reopening of its embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia, pointing to Tehran’s move to name a new ambassador and deploy technical teams to Saudi Arabia to pave the way for the reopening of diplomatic missions.
He also noted that the meetings and reciprocal visits by the Iranian and Saudi officials signify the two countries’ resolve to restore cooperation and establish proper relations.
For his part, the Saudi foreign minister said Riyadh holds a positive view on the future of relations with Iran and keeps efforts to promote and strengthen the mutual relations.
He described the good steps taken in the past two months and the two countries’ commitment to the rapprochement deal as a sign of their serious resolve to enhance ties.
Bin Farhan also expressed hope that the formal appointment of the ambassadors in Tehran and Riyadh would allow them facilitate mutual cooperation.
After several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia clinched a deal on March 10 to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months after seven years of estrangement.
The two regional heavyweights have underscored the need to respect each other’s national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.