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Islamic Emphasis on Importance of Rapprochement, Dialogue

Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
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Islamic Emphasis on Importance of Rapprochement, Dialogue

Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)
Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group Russia and the Islamic World (SPA)

Several ministers of religious affairs in Islamic countries have unanimously agreed on the importance of dialogue being held by the Strategic Vision Group “Russia and the Islamic World” to bring views closer and further consolidate relations in all aspects.

Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan Noor al-Haq Qadir told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Group’s dialogue is of great importance, as all topics and areas that devote the consolidation of the relationship with Russia are being discussed.

“We count on this conference to be a bridge for the continuation and strengthening of relations,” said Qadir, thanking the Saudi leadership for preparing and organizing the forum set to boost Islamic countries’ relations with Russia.

Pakistan always stands with the policy of the Saudi leadership, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the steps the Kingdom takes to support Islamic countries, reaffirmed Qadir.

Qadir moved on to stress the wisdom behind holding dialogue with Russia given the important role it plays in regional and global affairs.

He noted that positive results of such meetings help defeat Islamophobia, especially in Russia, where Muslims face some degree of extremism.

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas said that dialogue between Russia and Islamic countries is vital and matches current developments witnessed around the world.

He stressed that dialogue is essential in all aspects, especially on social, international, and regional levels.

Qoumas noted that the Islamic religion has entity, values, and basics, as it is comprehensive, contrary to what is portrayed about it, and terms of fear of Islam have no rules and have no effect on the depth of the true Islamic religion.

Regarding extremist groups, Qoumas emphasized that combating extremism comes through the comprehensive practical application of the Islamic religion in the life of the individual.

Islam is a tolerant religion that teaches how to live and how to organize the basic things in life, said the Indonesian minister.

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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)
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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.