Alireza Enayati, Iran’s newly-appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said he intends to dedicate his efforts in the upcoming period to enhance and foster bilateral relations between Tehran and Riyadh.
He emphasized that both sides possess a strong determination and sincere willingness to develop these relations, expressing optimism about a promising future.
Enayati, in exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, elaborated on his commitment.
These remarks are his first since officially assuming his duties in Riyadh last week.
He highlighted that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had instructed him to do his utmost “to strengthen brotherly and friendly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.”
Enayati arrived in Riyadh on September 5.
On the same day, his Saudi counterpart, Abdullah Al-Anzi, arrived in Tehran.
The arrival of both diplomats officially commences their duties as part of the agreement to restore diplomatic relations between the two nations, which was signed in Beijing under Chinese mediation.
“I express my delight at representing my country as the ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, two neighboring and influential nations in the region, the Islamic world, and globally,” Enayati told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“At the same time, I want to emphasize the task bestowed upon me by President Raisi during our meeting,” added Enayati, explaining that the Iranian leader had ordered him to “exert all efforts in solidifying the bonds of brotherhood and friendship between Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The Iranian diplomat also pointed out that Iran views Saudi Arabia as a significant strategic partner.
“We consider the Kingdom a strategic partner of great importance within the framework of the good neighborliness policy pursued by the current government,” affirmed Enayati.
“What has been realized in the past six months heralds a prosperous future. We have a strong will to develop Iran-Saudi relations, and we have noticed the same feeling among our Saudi brothers,” he added.
Enayati stressed that this places upon him “a significant responsibility, firstly, to enhance and solidify bilateral relations and then to utilize them for the benefit of the region, based on common interests, mutual respect, and collective responsibility.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had previously emphasized that the resumption of diplomatic missions and the immediate start of the ambassadors’ duties represent another step towards enhancing relations between the two countries.
He underlined Riyadh’s commitment to exploring ways to activate previous agreements with Tehran, particularly those related to security and economic aspects.
On his part, Al-Anzi stated upon his arrival in Tehran last week that the directives of the Saudi leadership emphasize the importance of strengthening relations, intensifying communication, and fostering meetings between the two nations, aiming for broader horizons.
