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Politics
2023-April-21  17:26

FM Hails Outcome of Saudi Delegation's Successful Visit to Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian described the outcome of the Saudi technical team’s trip to Tehran and Mashhad for the reopening of Riyadh’s embassy and consulate general as good, and said that his country is seeking to reopen its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia before the Hajj season.

During a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Amir Abdollahian congratulated him on Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Iranian minister described his recent meeting with bin Farhan as well as the exchange of technical delegations tasked with reopening the embassies of the two countries as "positive and constructive".

“My colleagues at the Foreign Ministry and the delegation sent to Riyadh and Jeddah are trying reopen the Embassy and consulate general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saudi Arabia as scheduled and before the Hajj season," he added.

The Saudi foreign minister for his part congratulated Amir Abdollahian on Eid Al-Fitr.

Bin Farhan expressed hope that the two top diplomats will soon meet each other in Tehran and Riyadh.

The senior official stated that Saudi Arabia will provide the necessary facilities for Iranian Hajj pilgrims and for the purpose of reopening the Iranian Embassy and consulate general in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Iran and Saudi Arabia announced on March 10 a Chinese-brokered deal to restore ties seven years after they were severed. In a joint statement after signing the agreement, Tehran and Riyadh highlighted the need to respect each others’ national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.

Back in early April, Amir Abdollahian and bin Farhan met in China in the first formal meeting of the two countries’ top diplomats in seven years. They issued a joint statement following the long-awaited meeting, voicing their readiness to reopen embassies and work toward establishing security and stability in West Asia.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kana'ani said that President Ebrahim Rayeesi has invited Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for an official visit.

President Rayeesi has extended an invitation to King Salman to visit Tehran, the spokesperson told reporters, noting that the Iranian president has offered to reciprocally host the Saudi king after receiving an invitation to visit Riyadh.

He stated that Tehran and Riyadh are pushing to implement their agreements on re-opening of embassies and that the missions will begin operation no later than May 9.