Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers agree to meet to re-open embassies

The Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have agreed to meet soon and pave the way for the re-opening of embassies and consulates in both nations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran held a phone call to mark the occasion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The two leaders congratulated each other on the occasion of Ramadan. They agreed to strengthen the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement, “The two ministers agreed to hold a bilateral meeting soon to pave the way for the reopening of embassies and consulates between the two countries.”

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic relations under the deal brokered by China. Saudi Arabia and Iran released a joint communique on the deal with China. The deal paved the way to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years of hostility. Iranian and Saudi leaders agreed for reestablishing ties and reopening embassies within two months.

The United Nations welcomed the Saudi-Iranian deal. Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, thanked China for its role. Guterres also welcomed the agreement.

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, also welcomed the deal. She said that the United States welcomed “any efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region.”

Saudi national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban reportedly said, “We hope that we will continue the constructive dialogue.” He also thanked Iraq and Oman for mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The leaders expressed hope that the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia can improve the stability in the Middle East region.