Saudi FM in Tehran on Landmark Visit

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Tehran on Saturday on a landmark visit following the recent normalization of relations between two countries after a seven-year diplomatic rupture.
He was welcomed by his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and attended a meeting of the two countries’ diplomatic delegations before holding talks with President Ebrahim Raisi, where he was expected to deliver the Saudi King’s invitation. 
Tehran and Riyadh reestablished diplomatic ties in March in a deal brokered by China. 
The two regional heavyweights had cut relations in 2016 after a group of Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi mission in protest against the kingdom’s execution of a Shia cleric. 
Both sides showed signs of interest in rapprochement marked by several rounds of negotiation in Baghdad, Iraq, before eventually signing a deal in the Chinese capital Beijing. 
In accordance with the agreement, Iran officially reopened its embassy on June 7 and Saudi Arabia is expected to do the same during the ministerial visit. 
At the meeting of the foreign ministers, the two sides discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation, as well as a range of regional and international developments. 
Speaking at a joint press conference, Bin Farhan described Iran and Saudi Arabia as two important countries in the region, saying their bilateral relations is on the basis of such principles as non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs, mutual respect and commitment to the United Nations Charter. 
He hoped that normalization of relations between Riyadh and Tehran will positively spread across the region, the Muslim world and the international arena. 
Amir-Abdollahian appreciated the Saudi government’s assistance for the reestablishment of the Iranian embassy and consular offices, as well as its mission in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. 
“We have also prepared the ground for the establishment of Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad,” he said. 
He said it is a source of delight that Iranian Hajj pilgrims can have a convenient trip thanks to the presence of Iranian diplomatic groups in Saudi Arabia. 
“We have also mutually facilitated Saudi nationals’ visit to Iranian religious and tourist destinations,” he said. 

Lasting Cooperation

The ministers’ discussions centered on the need for lasting economic and trade cooperation, joint investment and further dynamism in the two countries’ private sectors, according to Amir-Abdollahian.   
They also had a chance to review conditions of forming joint commissions for economic and political affairs, as well as committees for other sectors of common interest such as border security, fight against drug smuggling and the environment, he said. 
“We agree that we need to build up more effective cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations.” 
The Saudi top diplomat highlighted potential areas of collaboration, expressing hope that bilateral relations will expand in economic and cultural sectors alongside the political sphere. 
“I would like to point out the importance of the two countries’ cooperation at regional level, especially in maritime affairs, as well as joint efforts toward the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” he said. 
Amir-Abdollahian later pointed to security of the region and each of its states as a vital and fundamental issue for all, saying it is an undeniable requirement for shaping a safer, more successful and developed future for this shared region.  
“Iran never sees security as synonymous with militarism, but considers it a more inclusive concept which constitutes cultural, political, social, commercial and economic aspects,” he said, 
The delegations also talked about regional and international issues, including the situation in Palestine and Sudan, according to Amir-Abdollahian.