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.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.