Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister has 'positive' talks with Iranian counterpart

Prince Faisal bin Farhan also meets President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, left, is received by Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. AFP

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held “positive” talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in Tehran on Saturday.

Prince Faisal later met Iranian leader Ebrahim Raisi at the Presidential Palace.

Mr Raisi extended his greetings and appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and wished the government and people of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia prosperity and well-being.

Prince Faisal took the latest step in the restoration of diplomatic ties between the countries.

Following Saturday’s talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal shared his perspective on the recent diplomatic progress.

“Our talks were positive and clear, and this meeting comes as part of the two countries' completion of implementing the agreement signed in Beijing on March 10,” Prince Faisal told a joint press conference.

“Work is continuing for the diplomatic and consular missions to resume their roles in the two countries,” he said.

“We have seen the opening of the Iranian embassy in Tehran and consulate in Jeddah,” he said, adding that the moves will be followed by the opening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran soon.

He thanked the Iranian government for easing the return of the Saudi diplomatic mission to Tehran.

“We hope that the restoration of relations with Tehran will be reflected positively on the region and the world.”

Prince Faisal underlined the importance of co-operation between the two countries in enhancing regional security, especially the security of navigation and maritime routes.

He also stressed the importance of co-operation among all countries of the region to ensure that it is free of weapons of mass destruction.

He said that the talks stressed the need for mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

Prince Faisal said that he would convey an invitation from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed to Mr Raisi to visit the kingdom.

Mr Amirabdollahian said the talks with Prince Faisal dealt with co-operation in several fields, including economic relations.

Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume bilateral relations following a Chinese-brokered deal in March.

China, Saudi Arabia and Iran released a joint statement in Beijing after the signing, announcing that Tehran and Riyadh had agreed to re-establish ties.

“The two sides emphasised the importance of following up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement and its activation in a way that expands mutual trust and the fields of co-operation and helps create security, stability and prosperity in the region,” the joint statement said.

Iran's Finance Minister Ehsan Khandozi visited the kingdom in May, marking the first official visit by an official from Tehran since both countries agreed to resume bilateral relations.

This month, Iran reopened its diplomatic missions in Riyadh and its consulate services in Jeddah, restoring ties with Saudi Arabia after seven years.

They reinstated economic agreements signed more than 20 years ago.

Last month, Iran appointed Alireza Enayati as its ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who was previously assistant foreign minister and had served as Iran's ambassador to Kuwait.

Ties between the two countries were severed in 2016, after the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked by protesters.

Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume flights and issue visas for citizens.

This year, Prince Faisal indicated the kingdom was looking to resolve differences with Iran. He said recent economic developments in the Gulf were a strong signal to Iran “and others in the region that there is a pathway beyond traditional arguments and disputes towards joint prosperity”.

“We have never considered Saudi Arabia as our enemy,” Mr Raisi said.

The Arab League summit hosted by Saudi Arabia brought Syria back into the diplomatic fold, in a move signifying unity and bolstering ties with Arab states.