Leader: Tehran-Riyadh relationship beneficial for both nations
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be beneficial for both countries.
“We believe that the relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries and the two countries can complement each other,” the Leader said during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s visiting Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said enemies are against the expansion of relations between Tehran and Riyadh. “These hostile motives must be subdued, and we are ready for this,” he said.
Khalid bin Salman, who is brother of Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, traveled to Tehran to present the message of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Saudi defense minister said his visit was aimed at expanding relations with Iran and cooperation in all fields.
“And we hope that the constructive talks will provide for stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran than in the past,” he added.
The Saudi official also held a separate meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
During the meeting, Pezeshkian said Iran and Saudi Arabia can serve as a model for regional cooperation, stressing that the unity of Islamic countries is a prerequisite for achieving peace, security, and sustainable economic development in the region.
“We consider you our brothers, and since the beginning of this government’s tenure, we have made efforts to strengthen fraternal ties among Islamic nations,” Pezeshkian said, adding that if Islamic countries achieve a common language and genuine unity, the Israeli regime will no longer cause human tragedies like those unfolding in the besieged Gaza Strip nowadays.
He also touched on the importance of setting aside differences and boosting regional cooperation.
He also hailed the idea of establishing joint working groups in various political, economic, and security areas between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
“Iran and Saudi Arabia, by relying on their shared capacities and without foreign interference, can resolve many of the region’s problems. We hope the goodwill that has emerged between the two countries will strengthen the interests of the Islamic world and discourage enemies from interference and sowing discord,” Pezeshkian emphasized.
Prince Khalid bin Salman also said Iran and Saudi Arabia’s strong relations between the two countries can serve as an effective model for convergence and synergy in the Islamic world.