By Iran’s foreign minister has made an important visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first such visit since both countries surprised the world with their efforts to improve relations.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian traveled to Riyadh on Thursday and engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, as announced by the Saudi foreign ministry. Originally planned as a one-day visit, it was extended due to the importance of the talks.
During their meeting, they explored the relationship between their nations, discussed future opportunities for cooperation, and ways to strengthen their ties. They also addressed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, which was shared by the foreign ministry on social media.
This meeting is notable because it’s the first time a senior Iranian official has met with 37-year-old Prince Mohammed, who has been introducing a series of reforms in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement posted on social media, Amir-Abdollahian described the 90-minute conversation as “direct, frank, and productive.” They covered various aspects, including bilateral relations, security, and development. Amir-Abdollahian emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and development-oriented collaboration for the success of the region, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.
Both Iran and Saudi Arabia have had strained relations for years, with a break in diplomatic ties in 2016. However, in March, they announced the restoration of diplomatic relations, brokered by China. This development has raised hopes, especially considering their opposing stances in various Middle Eastern conflicts, such as in Yemen.
Amir-Abdollahian mentioned that ties between the two nations are moving in a positive direction, and he appeared before the media with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to express this sentiment. He also hinted at a future meeting between Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, as an invitation has been extended.
The discussions included economic and security cooperation, although no new agreements were announced. Amir-Abdollahian was accompanied by Iran’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati.
This meeting is seen as a significant step in warming and expanding ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but details regarding ongoing disputes, like the Durra/Arash gas field disagreement involving Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran, were not disclosed. Nevertheless, Kuwait welcomed Amir-Abdollahian’s visit to Saudi Arabia, without specifying the outcome of discussions related to the gas field.
