- The Saudi FM was received by his Iranian counterpart in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amirabadullahian.
- Prince Faisal says he will meet President Raisi during his historic visit.
- “Respect, non-interference will be at the heart of bilateral relations.”
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Tehran on Saturday on his first visit since the two countries restored diplomatic ties in January this year ending a seven-year dispute.
The Saudi foreign minister was received by his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian at the country’s foreign ministry ahead of the bilateral talks. al Jazeera informed of.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal will also meet Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi during his historic visit.
During the press conference, both the officials appreciated the restoration of diplomatic relations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never equated security with militarism, and regards security as a comprehensive concept that includes political, economic, cultural, trade and social dimensions among all countries in the region,” Amirabadolhian said. was quoted as saying.
The Iranian foreign minister said he discussed a range of issues with his Saudi counterpart, including trade relations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Saudi Foreign Minister said that mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries and commitment to the UN Charter will be at the heart of bilateral relations going forward with a view to safeguarding the interests of both countries. ,
“I would also like to highlight the discussion between the two countries on cooperation on ensuring maritime security and reducing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” he said.
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the northwestern city of Mashhad were attacked during protests over Riyadh’s execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
But the two countries agreed in March to improve ties and reopen their respective embassies, in a Chinese-brokered deal that has shifted regional ties.
Iranian government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi told local media that during the visit, Prince Faisal was expected to take “some measures” towards the reopening of the Saudi diplomatic mission in Tehran.
On 6 June, the Islamic Republic reopened its embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia.
Iranian Szandegi daily reported on Saturday that the Saudi embassy will reopen in a hotel in Tehran before resuming its permanent location in the Iranian capital.
– With additional input from AFP
