ISLAMABAD/RIYADH: In a major breakthrough, Saudi Arabia and Iran finally agreed to reopen embassies and resume diplomatic ties.
According to a statement issued on Friday, both sides showed respect for joint sovereignty and noninterference in each other’s affairs.
Both countries also agreed to reopen embassies within two months as Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers will hold meetings to implement the agreement, exchange ambassadors and discuss ways to strengthen relations.
According to International Institute for Iranian Studies President Dr Mohammed Al-Sulami, who wrote a piece for Arab News, the agreement is considered significant since it was signed by the two big powers in the Middle East.
Why China?
China is a close friend of both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Therefore, China would be the guarantor of Iran fulfilling the agreement, and if Iran cheats, it would lose out.
China has welcomed the treaty and described it as a victory for peace. However, Israel might not be pleased as it has deep concerns about Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, and wants an end to the nuclear dispute, even via military means.
To achieve this, Israel wanted regional and global mobilisation against Tehran. It may view the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran as a threat to its interests.
Additionally, Europe was moving further away from Iran. The European troika, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, issued a joint statement announcing that INSTEX, a financial vehicle designed to facilitate trade between Iran and Europe in 2019, will be liquidated. All the mechanism’s 10 stakeholders decided to terminate the arrangement, citing Tehran’s continued obstruction.
Saudi Arabia has been showing goodwill and working for peace, dialogue, and prosperity. It has never rejected dialogue but simultaneously refused to engage in talks that lead nowhere.
Saudi Arabia is the most influential and vital Arab nation. The Kingdom’s foreign policy shapes regional and even global policies.
