Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on Thursday signed a joint statement in the Chinese capital of Beijing, in presence of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on the start of the procedures to reopening the embassies of the two countries and enhancing cooperation to achieve security and stability in the region.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday “In light of what was included by the tripartite joint statement by each of Iran, Saudi Arabia and China on March 10, 2023, on resumption of Saudi and Iranian relations and in the framework of coordination between the two countries on the necessary steps to resume the diplomatic and consulate work between them, the two sides held talks, during which they stressed the importance of following up and activating the implementation of the Beijing Agreement, in a way that enhances mutual trust and expands the scope of co-operation, and contributes to achieving security, stability and prosperity in the region.”
The two sides affirmed their keenness to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and activate the security cooperation agreement between the two countries, signed in 2001, and the general agreement for co-operation in the field of economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports and youth, signed in1998.
The Ministry also pointed out that the two sides agreed to reopen their diplomatic representations during the agreed period, to proceed with taking the necessary measures to open the embassies of the two countries in Riyadh and Tehran, and their general consulates in Jeddah and Mashhad, and to continue co-ordination between the technical teams on both sides to discuss ways to enhance co-operation between the two countries, including the resumption of flights, mutual visits by official delegations and the private sector, and facilitating the granting of visas to citizens of the two countries, including Umrah visas.
The two sides expressed their aspiration to intensify consultative meetings and discuss ways of co-operation to achieve more positive prospects for relations, given the natural resources, economic potentials that the two countries possess, and great opportunities to achieve mutual benefit for the two brotherly peoples, according to the statement. They affirmed their readiness to do everything possible to overcome any obstacles facing the promotion of co-operation between them.
The two sides also agreed to enhance their co-operation in everything that would achieve security and stability in the region and serve the interests of its countries and peoples.
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed on last March, under the sponsorship of China, to resume bilateral relations and reopen the embassies of the two countries during two months. The two countries stressed their firm intention to spare no efforts to enhance the regional and international peace and security.