Iran-KSA move one step closer to reopening missions
Following an agreement between Iranian and Saudi top diplomats in Beijing on April 6 to swiftly reopen diplomatic missions, a Saudi Arabian diplomatic delegation has arrived in Tehran to discuss the reopening of its diplomatic missions after a seven-year absence, Riyadh’s Foreign Ministry said.
Saturday’s visit is part of “implementing the tripartite agreement” reached on March 10 between the two regional powers, brokered by China, to restore relations ruptured in 2016, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
A Saudi “technical delegation” met Iran’s chief of protocol at the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, SPA reported.
In this regard, Director-General for Persian Gulf Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that the Iranian delegation will visit Saudi Arabia next week.
Alireza Enayati, who spoke to Iran Press, also elaborated on the details of the meeting between Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan in Beijing on Thursday, April 6.
According to Enayati, two rounds of talks were conducted between the two foreign ministers, one of which was held behind closed doors.
“According to this agreement, the necessary measures are being taken to reopen embassies, exchange ambassadors, and heads of missions,” the diplomat said.
Referring to the aerial transportation agreement between the two countries, Enayati said, “It was decided to resume flights between the two countries, which define the popular relationship in ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Providing the necessary facilities for the travel of nationals, issuing visas and resuming Umrah pilgrimages are among the other items under this agreement.”
Regarding the Yemen crisis, the diplomat said that Iran has stressed this issue in the agreement, adding that the crisis in Yemen cannot be solved through war.
“Iran supported the cease-fire in Yemen on both occasions, like the time it was extended. The issue of Yemen is an issue that must be resolved by the Yemenis themselves,” he added.
According to Enayati, the capacities of Iran and Saudi Arabia are great and the relations between the two countries have diverse contexts.
“It is expected that according to what was mentioned in the final joint statement, the private and public sectors would benefit from maximum economic capacity due to the proximity of the two countries,” the diplomat stated.
Enayati added, “Iran, as a transit bridge from the south of the Persian Gulf to the north, can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region as a completely reliable route.”