The Saudi FM emphasised that Iran and Saudi Arabia were neighbours and shared many traits, including culture, history, and religion.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the agreement to restore diplomatic ties with Iran confirms the mutual desire “to resolve differences through communication and dialogue,” but emphasised that it does not imply “resolving all differences between the two countries”.
After seven years of heightened tensions, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced on Friday a deal brokered by China to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies.
According to the agreement, Prince Faisal stated in an interview with the Saudi-owned Al Sharq Al Awsat daily that he was looking forward to meeting his Iranian counterpart soon. The future exchange of visits is natural given that our countries are getting ready to resume diplomatic relations within the next two months, he said.
The Saudi FM emphasised that Iran and Saudi Arabia were neighbours and shared many traits, including culture, history, and religion.
The Saudi FM emphasised that the agreement “acted as evidence of our mutual desire to settle [the disagreements] through communication and dialogue, through peaceful means and diplomatic instruments” with regard to the remaining differences between the two nations.
He said, “We in the Kingdom aim to begin a new chapter with Iran and to improve the prospects of cooperation in a way that positively benefits the strengthening of security and stability, and the advancement of development and prosperity, not just in our two countries, but in the region as a whole.”
Prince Faisal expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear programme: “With regard to Iran’s continuous development of its nuclear capabilities, this is clearly a concern for us, and we reiterate our appeal for the Gulf region and the Middle east to be free of weapons of mass destruction. We demand that Iran fulfil its nuclear commitments and step up its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency. To ensure this, we’ll keep cooperating with partners and friends”.
The Saudi minister discussed China’s role in mediating the agreement, saying: “China has positive relations with both parties, which contributed to aligning views and stressing the legitimate concerns of the Kingdom. We anticipate that China’s role in mediating the deal will strengthen regional security and cooperation as well as neighbourly ties amongst nations”
