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Iran Reassured with Reestablishment of Ties with Saudi Arabia: An Impetus for Islamic World

Al-Aiban and Shamkhani during the Beijing negotiations on Friday. (Reuters)
Al-Aiban and Shamkhani during the Beijing negotiations on Friday. (Reuters)
    London, Tehran - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Iran Reassured with Reestablishment of Ties with Saudi Arabia: An Impetus for Islamic World

Al-Aiban and Shamkhani during the Beijing negotiations on Friday. (Reuters)
Al-Aiban and Shamkhani during the Beijing negotiations on Friday. (Reuters)

Iranian officials welcomed the reestablishment of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years of diplomatic estrangement.

Official Iranian media reported on Friday that the agreement between the two countries came after talks that began on Monday in Beijing at the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The official IRNA news agency said that as a result of talks between Ali Shamkhani, Secretary General of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Musaid Al Aiban, Saudi National Security Adviser, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers, the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies within two months.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Twitter that the return of “normal relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia provides great impetus for the two countries, the region and the Islamic world.”

He continued: “Neighborhood policy, as the main focus of the government’s foreign policy... is moving strongly in the right direction, and the diplomacy is actively preparing more regional steps.”

Nour News agency reported that Shamkhani praised China for its role in rebuilding diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh.

The agency quoted Shamkhani as saying that the two delegations “conducted frank, transparent, comprehensive and constructive negotiations.”

The official contacted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, thanking him for his country’s efforts in hosting five rounds of talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, according to the state-run ISNA news agency.

Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran in 2016 after the storming of its embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad.

Current and former Iranian officials and activists have expressed their satisfaction with the restoration of relations between Tehran and Riyadh.

Reformist activist Abdollah Ramezanzadeh, a former spokesman for the Iranian government during the tenure of President Mohammad Khatami, wrote that the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran was a significant step for regional security.

The announcement of the agreement had an immediate impact on the currency market in Iran. ISNA reported that the price of the dollar fell to IRR 477,000 in the unofficial market, after it crossed the barrier of IRR 510,000 on Wednesday.

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Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior hosted a Syrian security delegation from April 14 to 16 to review the Kingdom's security practices and benefit from its expertise.

This move is part of Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to support the Syrian government in achieving security and stability, while preserving Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior, in a statement carried by the official news agency SANA, confirmed that a delegation recently visited Riyadh on an official trip “to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and policing.”

The ministry added that the visit aimed to examine Saudi security practices and benefit from its advanced expertise in related security areas, which would help develop Syria’s security framework and enhance its ability to confront emerging challenges.

The statement noted that this initiative is part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Syria committed to supporting joint cooperation that serves national interests and promotes security and stability in the region.

Earlier in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking his first foreign visit since his appointment.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Syria, strategies to support its security and stability, and ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.

In a statement published by Syria’s official news agency SANA, al-Sharaa said, “We sensed and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future, along with a commitment to uphold the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territory.”

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, following a meeting with a Syrian delegation in Riyadh earlier this year, stated, “The time has come for Syria to stabilize, rebuild, and make the most of its resources, most importantly its brotherly Syrian people.”

In a post on X, the Saudi defense minister described the meeting as “fruitful.”

On February 25, Saudi Arabia welcomed the convening of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, expressing hope that it would contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthening national unity.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its support for efforts to build Syrian state institutions, foster stability, and improve the well-being of its citizens.

The statement also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.