Today, Thursday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed a joint statement following a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries in Beijing. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as a step toward reconciliation after years of tension.
The meeting comes a month after the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies by May.
Following the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Ministry released the joint statement from the foreign ministers, which stated: "In light of the contents of the trilateral joint statement issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the People's Republic of China on March 10, 2023, regarding the resumption of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, both sides confirmed their commitment to exploring ways to enhance bilateral relations, activate the security cooperation agreement signed on April 17, 2001, and the general cooperation agreement in economy, trade, investment, technology, sciences, culture, sports, and youth, signed on May 27, 1998."
The statement continued: "The two sides agreed to reopen their representations within the agreed timeframe and to proceed with the necessary measures to open their embassies in Riyadh and Tehran, and their consulates in Jeddah and Mashhad. They will continue coordination between technical delegations from both sides to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, including resuming air travel, mutual visits of official and private sector delegations, and facilitating visa issuance for citizens of both countries, including Umrah visas."
Additionally, both sides expressed their desire to intensify consultative meetings and explore ways to cooperate to achieve more positive prospects for the relationship, given the natural resources, economic capabilities, and opportunities available to both countries for mutual benefit for their brotherly peoples. They confirmed their willingness to do everything possible to remove any obstacles facing the enhancement of cooperation between them. The two sides also agreed to bolster their cooperation in all matters that would achieve security and stability in the region and serve the interests of its peoples and countries. In conclusion, both sides expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese side for hosting this meeting.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan invited his Iranian counterpart to "hold a bilateral meeting in Riyadh." The Iranian Foreign Minister considered the meeting in a tweet on "Twitter" to be "positive," indicating that "among the agreed-upon issues on the joint agenda is the affirmation of stability, sustainable security, and development in the region."
The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, stated, "China supports Middle Eastern countries in maintaining their strategic independence, eliminating foreign interference, and keeping the future of the region in their own hands."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani revealed that "the meeting between Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan was positive. It can be said that official relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been activated."
Earlier today, Chinese state television (CCTV) reported that "the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran met in China, marking the first official meeting between the top diplomatic officials of both countries in over seven years."
