Iran, Saudi foreign ministers meet after restoring ties, agree to open embassies

Iran and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministers met in China’s capital on Thursday, a month after Tehran and Riyadh agreed to restore diplomatic relations under a Beijing-brokered deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, stressed the importance of the official restoration of mutual relations.

The top diplomats discussed executive steps to reopen embassies in their capitals, as well as missions in the Iranian city of Mashhad and the Saudi city of Jeddah.

They also exchanged views about certain issues pertaining to Tehran-Riyadh relations.

Amir-Abdollahian also plans to meet with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang to discuss ways to promote bilateral cooperation and issues of common concern in regional and international fields.

The meeting between Iranian and Saudi delegations follows three telephone conversations between Amir-Abdollahian and Al Saud, during which they discussed future steps regarding the landmark China-mediated reconciliation pact as well as other bilateral deals.

Beijing was chosen as the venue for the meeting as an extension of its positive role in mediating the Iran-Saudi rapprochement and facilitating communication between the two Middle Eastern powers.

After several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed on March 10 to resume their diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions after seven years of estrangement.

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