Arab News, Sunday, Mar 12, 2023 | Sha'ban 20, 1444
Saudi Arabia, Iran reach agreement to renew diplomatic relations after talks in Beijing
Saudi Arabia:Saudi Arabia and Iran on
Friday agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies
within two months following years of tensions between the two countries.
“In response to the noble initiative of His
Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, of
China’s support for developing good neighborly relations between the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” a statement carried by Saudi
state news agency SPA said.
“The three countries announce that an agreement
has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of
Iran.
“That includes an agreement to resume diplomatic
relations between them and re-open their embassies and missions within a period
not exceeding two months, and the agreement includes their affirmation of the
respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal
affairs of states,” the statement said.
The agreement came following talks that took place
from Monday, March 6 to Friday, March 10 in Beijing, SPA reported.
The two are committed to a meeting between
ministers of foreign affairs of both countries to implement the agreement,
arrange for the return of their ambassadors and discuss means of enhancing
bilateral relations.
Riyadh and Tehran also agreed to activate the
security cooperation agreement signed in 2001 and the trade, economy and
investment agreement signed in 1998, according to the agreement text.
The agreement was signed by Iran’s top security
official, Ali Shamkhani, and Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser Musaed bin
Mohammed Al-Aiban.
“The Kingdom’s leadership welcomes the initiative
of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, based on the Kingdom’s consistent and
continuous approach since its establishment in adhering to the principles of
good neighborliness, taking everything that would enhance security and stability
in the region and the world, and adopting the principle of dialogue and
diplomacy to resolve differences,” Al-Aiban said.
“While we value what we have reached, we hope that
we will continue to continue the constructive dialogue, in accordance with the
pillars and foundations included in the agreement, expressing our appreciation
for the People’s Republic of China’s continued positive role in this regard,” he
added.
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin
Farhan said on Twitter: “The resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi
Arabia and Iran stems from the Kingdom's vision based on preferring political
solutions and dialogue, and its keenness to perpetuate this in the region.”
He continued: “The countries of the region have
one destiny and common denominators that make it necessary for us to join
together to build a model of prosperity and stability for our peoples to enjoy.”
Director of China's Office of the Central Foreign
Affairs Commission, Wang Yi, said the talks were a victory for dialogue and
peace.
“This is a victory for dialogue, a victory for
peace, offering major good news at a time of much turbulence in the world,” the
Chinese foreign ministry cited Wang as saying at the close of the dialogue.
“As a good-faith and reliable mediator, China has
faithfully fulfilled its duties as the host,” Wang said.
China would continue to play a constructive role
in handling issues in the world and demonstrate its responsibility as a major
nation, he added.