Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that his discussions with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran today, Saturday, were characterized by positivity and clarity. This meeting is part of the two neighboring countries' efforts to implement the agreement signed in Beijing on March 10, 2023. This was announced during a joint press conference between Prince bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following their bilateral talks. The Saudi Foreign Minister announced his intention to convey an invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz to the Iranian president to visit Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Foreign Minister stated, "Work is currently underway to resume the operations of diplomatic and consular missions in both countries. We have witnessed the opening of the Iranian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah, along with the mission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The opening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran will follow soon, as we also saw the opening of the Iranian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah."
He emphasized that normal relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran are fundamental, as both are important countries in the region, bonded by ties of brotherhood and good neighborliness. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Iranian Foreign Ministry for the facilities provided for the return of Saudi missions to operations.
The Saudi Foreign Minister asserted that the relations between the two countries are based on a clear foundation of full and mutual respect for independence and sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressing hope that the return of relations with Tehran will positively reflect on the region and the world. He emphasized to the Iranian side the necessity of mutual cooperation for the sake of security and stability in the region, stressing that the region should be free from weapons of mass destruction, and noted the importance of security cooperation with Iran, especially regarding maritime navigation.
He stated, "I point to the importance of cooperation regarding regional security between the two countries, especially the security of maritime navigation and waterways, and the importance of cooperation among all countries in the region to ensure it is free from weapons of mass destruction." He noted that his visit to Tehran coincides with the upcoming Hajj season, and that Saudi Arabia is honored to host the holy mosques and sacred sites, dedicating all its resources and institutions for this noble purpose.
Regarding the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated today, "I discussed with my Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan the importance of forming an economic committee to look into various files between the two countries." He explained: "We exchanged the names of the ambassadors between us and Saudi Arabia, and we are working to ratify them," affirming that they discussed the importance of sustainable cooperation in the field of trade between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
He added, "We provided the conditions for the opening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Mashhad, and we were also able to discuss various aspects of Iranian-Saudi relations," emphasizing the necessity of working with Saudi Arabia to achieve security and peace in the region.
**Details of the Visit**
Today, Saturday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Tehran as part of the process of rapprochement between the two countries. The Saudi minister is scheduled to meet with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Iran and Saudi Arabia had decided in March, through a China-mediated agreement, to end diplomatic disputes and resume relations after years of hostility that threatened regional stability in countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.
The Saudi-Iranian rapprochement leaves Israel largely alone in its diplomatic efforts to isolate Iran. Ali Reza Anayati, Assistant Foreign Minister and Director General for Gulf Affairs, and the newly appointed Iranian ambassador to Riyadh, noted that "Iranian-Saudi relations are a coalition for peace and development."
Anayati, in a special memorandum for Prince bin Farhan's visit, stated, "The resumption of Iranian-Saudi relations and their return to their natural course, alongside the Saudi Foreign Minister's visit to Tehran, is another success of the principled government's policy based on good neighborliness."
He added, "Over the past two years, the government's good neighbor policy in the Gulf has led to the development and deepening of relations with neighboring countries south of Iran." Regarding Iranian foreign policy strategy, he stated that one of its strategies since the onset of the revolution has been to enhance relations with countries in West Asia and the Islamic world.
He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to regional stability based on strengthening dialogue-oriented frameworks focused on cooperation and resolving misunderstandings while denying external interventions that disrupt security and stability in the region.
Regarding Iranian-Saudi diplomatic relations, which are considered important poles in the political landscape of West Asia and, with their diverse capabilities, can play a critical role in global economic equations, Anayati noted, "These relations are based on good neighborly policy and prioritizing relations with neighbors, which the Raisi government and its diplomatic apparatus pursue to activate potential capabilities in multilateral relations with its neighbors."
He pointed out that "Iran believes that the continuation of problems among neighboring countries and the conversion of those into crises only serves the interests of external powers." He expressed hope that "the vast capabilities and facilities available to regional countries in both political and economic domains can provide many opportunities for comprehensive development in the region."
Anayati highlighted that "the Islamic Republic of Iran extends its hand of friendship verbally and in action to Islamic countries and their regional poles, based on shared cultural and religious ties." He affirmed that "the only beneficiaries of the disputes among Muslims are the Zionists."
He announced that his country views regional economic security and development as inseparable concepts and considers the security, peace, and development of neighboring countries as its own security and stability, which has led to the idea of unity and alliance for peace, stability, and security directed towards development.
He concluded his memorandum by stating that "the determination and seriousness of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for dialogue and diplomacy herald a bright future for regional cooperation and the achievement of comprehensive security and development."
