TEHRAN: In a significant development for regional diplomacy, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Tehran on Saturday for talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian. The visit also involved Prince Faisal extending an invitation to President Raisi on behalf of King Salman.
During a joint press conference with Amirabdollahian, Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of regional security, including maritime navigation. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhanced maritime security in the Gulf region and underscored the significance of collaborative efforts among regional countries to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Iran and Saudi Arabia’s Relations
Following his meeting with Amirabdollahian, Prince Faisal disclosed that King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were eagerly anticipating President Raisi’s acceptance of the invitation to visit the Kingdom in the near future.
Amirabdollahian, in a televised joint media event, highlighted the essentiality of security for regional countries. He emphasized that Iran views security as a comprehensive concept encompassing various dimensions, including political, cultural, social, economic, and trade aspects.
During his visit, Prince Faisal will officially inaugurate the Saudi Arabian embassy in Tehran, marking a significant milestone in the reopening of diplomatic missions between the two nations.
This development comes after both Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed in March to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies, following a seven-year period of tension. The diplomatic breakthrough, brokered by China, has reduced the likelihood of further conflicts between Riyadh and Tehran.
