Iranian Foreign Minister To Visit Riyadh, Discuss Furthering Bilateral Relations

Aug. 17, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—In his first visit since the two countries re-established relations, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian traveled to Saudi Arabia for a one-day visit, where he held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, to discuss further steps on establishment of bilateral ties. Riyadh and Tehran reestablished diplomatic relations in March, after China brokered negotiations, after seven years of no formal ties.

At a joint press conference Prince Faisal said that the Kingdom is keen to activate prior security and economic agreements that were suspended when they had broken off relations. He also conveyed Saudi Arabia’s gratitude to Iran for its support of the Kingdom’s bid to host World Expo 2030. In addition, reported Tehran Times, Faisal bin Farhan said, “We hope that Ayatollah Raisi will visit Saudi Arabia soon. King Salman has written an official letter in this regard.” Prince Faisal had first conveyed the King’s invitation to President Raisi during a visit to Tehran in June. Amir-Abdollahian acknowledged that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hopes to travel to Saudi Arabia on an official visit.

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran marks a pivotal moment for regional security, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said today. “We believe that the idea of achieving security and development in the region is an idea that cannot be fragmented,” he said.

In Moscow on Aug. 16, Talal al-Otaibi, an aide to the Saudi defense minister, met with the deputy chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, Aziz Nasirzadeh, on the sidelines of the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security. They reviewed bilateral relations in the defense and security fields and how to improve them, and agreed to exchange military attachés “as soon as possible,” according to the Iranian Defense Ministry.