The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia announce raising the level of cooperation between the two countries in various fields ranging from security to trade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, heading a high-ranking delegation, and held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. The foreign ministers discussed various issues pertaining to their bilateral relations, as well as regional, international, and Islamic world issues.
During a press briefing, the Iranian FM confirmed that the meeting comes in the context of previously held meetings and urged “the idea of conducting a regional dialogue at the level of the Gulf region.”
Amir-Abdollahian also commended the progress achieved in normalizing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the two countries’ intention to expand bilateral cooperation.
“We are moving in the right direction, and relations with Saudi Arabia are witnessing progress, and both parties are determined to expand and strengthen cooperation in all fields, focus on the practical aspect of the agreements between the two countries, and implement them across the fields of security, economy, and trade.”
Amir-Abdollahian further revealed that Tehran and Riyadh also agreed to name joint committees to be headed by foreign ministers and expressed hope that “the idea of achieving security and development in the region cannot be divided,” reaffirming that Iran “extends a hand of cooperation to neighboring countries.”
Most significant was Amri-Abdollahian’s reaffirmation that “Iran continues its strong support for the Palestinian cause.” The Iranian FM explained, “We have no doubt that the Zionist entity will sow seeds of discord and hostility in our region, and we are alert to the movements of this entity.”
The top diplomat, regarding the Iranian President’s invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, noted that “President Raisi received an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia from King Salman, and he will visit it at the appropriate time.”
On his part, Saudi FM bin Farhan confirmed that “the kingdom is looking forward to the visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi,” adding that “I assured my Iranian counterpart of the Kingdom’s keenness to activate previous agreements between the two countries, especially those related to security and economy.”
Furthermore, the Saudi FM also stressed the importance of “raising the level of cooperation and coordination between the two countries.”
Source: Almayadeen
