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.
