Saudi Arabia and Iran Take Steps Towards Developing Relations, Implementing Beijing Agreement

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (SPA)
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia and Iran Take Steps Towards Developing Relations, Implementing Beijing Agreement

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (SPA)
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Iran took another step towards developing relations and implementing the Beijing Agreement signed last March by agreeing to enhance cooperation in all fields.

During a joint press conference Thursday at the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Riyadh, the two country’s foreign ministers launched a new stage of bilateral relations built on shared interests and mutual respect.

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that he discussed regional and international issues of common interest with his Iranian counterpart and assured him of the Kingdom's aspiration to boost bilateral relations.

During the press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Prince Faisal said that the resumption of the Saudi and Iranian diplomatic missions and their respective ambassadors in each other's capitals is essential to improving bilateral relations.

The Saudi Foreign Minister said that the meeting continues the steps taken toward resuming diplomatic relations and marks a pivotal moment for regional security.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s and Iran's sincere and serious desire to implement the agreement’s terms that benefit both countries and peoples by enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and strengthening regional stability.

The Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom's keenness on discussing mechanisms to activate agreements previously signed with Iran, especially those related to security and economy, stressing the importance of maintaining consultation and coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries during the coming period.

Prince Faisal added that Riyadh is looking forward to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to the Kingdom upon an invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He stressed the need to increase cooperation and coordination, looking forward to a new level in relations and the joint endeavor to boost ties based on shared interests and mutual respect.

- Regional cooperation

The Iranian Foreign Minister described his talks with his Saudi counterpart as "fruitful,”

“Iran and Saudi Arabia are two important countries in the region of Western Asia and the Islamic world. Both sides are determined to expand our relations in all fields,” he said.

- Regional dialogue

The minister proposed the idea of a regional dialogue to his Saudi counterpart, asserting his belief that both nations can work on immediate and urgent issues, including those related to regional relief and rescue.

Amir-Abdollahian explained that achieving regional security and development is an idea that cannot be divided.

“We believe ​​regional security and development are interrelated and belong to all regional actors.”

He also extended Iran’s profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia for cooperation and services to Iranian pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage, hoping that the Umrah will soon resume.

- Raisi's invitation

Amir-Abdollahian revealed that Raisi accepted the invitation and would do it "at the appropriate time," indicating that the talks and exchange of delegations between the two countries in the coming period will lay the groundwork for the leaders' meeting.

The two officials also discussed sports and holding friendly matches between the two national teams.

The Iranian minister also announced his country's endorsement of Riyadh's bid to host Expo 2030.

Both sides agreed to cooperate in public and parliamentary diplomacy and exchange delegations between the two countries.

Last March, Saudi Arabia, and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their diplomatic missions.

The Saudi foreign minister visited Tehran on an official visit in June, during which he met the Iranian President.

- Joint committee

On his visit to Riyadh, Amir-Abdollahian was accompanied by the new Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, according to the state-run ISNA news agency.

Before leaving Tehran, Enayati told ISNA that relations between the two countries are moving forward after less than six months of the Beijing agreement.

He said the ambassadors will soon settle in Riyadh and Tehran, adding that the visit is an appropriate opportunity to continue the dialogue between the foreign ministers.

On Wednesday, Iranian media quoted Enayati as saying that his country looks forward to consolidating the economic component in bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia.

He said it was agreed to hold a joint committee between the two countries, serving as a roadmap for relations to boost trade.

The Iranian diplomat asserted the need to choose a constructive path through dialogue, expressing full confidence that regional countries will deepen their cooperation and not be interested in foreign powers trying to destroy the relations.



Egyptians Hail Sisi’s Visit to Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, bids farewell to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the airport after his visit. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, bids farewell to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the airport after his visit. (SPA)
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Egyptians Hail Sisi’s Visit to Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, bids farewell to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the airport after his visit. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, bids farewell to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the airport after his visit. (SPA)

Egyptians praised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday where he held talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Observers hailed the outcomes of their talks that underlined the importance of bolstering joint investments and coordination over several regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza.

Sisi underscored Cairo’s support of Saudi initiatives aimed at resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the latest of which were the outcomes of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution that was held in New York in July. The meeting was co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris.

Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Mohamed al-Shennawy said the visit is part of the “solid historic relations that bind Cairo and Riyadh.” The two sides constantly coordinate and hold consultations over regional and international issues of common interest.

The inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council was also held on Thursday.

Saudi and Egyptian officials agreed to launch more partnerships in industrial integration, renewable energy and other fields.

On social media, users lauded Sisi’s visit to the Kingdom with a related hashtag trending on X.

Users on the platform said Saudi Arabia and Egypt have long enjoyed ties of fraternity and they will continue.

They welcomed Sisi’s visit, saying it demonstrates the integration between Cairo and Riyadh.

Political Science Professor at the University of Cairo Hassan Salama said the visit underscores the strength of Egyptian-Saudi relations and the extent of coordination between them.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he noted the significant timing of the visit.

Cairo earlier this week proposed a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza that would pave the way for a permanent solution to the crisis there. Hamas agreed to the proposal.

Former Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs at Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gamal al-Bayoumi said Saudi Arabia is the Arab world’s largest investor in Egypt.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sisi’s visit stressed the importance of expanding economic ties with the Kingdom.

Moreover, regional developments demand constant coordination and consultations between Cairo and Riyadh, he remarked.