Iran, Saudi Arabia sign a statement in Beijing on reopening embassies, enhance cooperation
On April 6th, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian and Saudi Faisal bin Farhan signed a joint statement in Beijing, in the presence of Chinese Foreign Minister Chen Gang, to start procedures for reopening the two embassies and to enhance cooperation to achieve security and stability in the region.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today: “In the light of what was included in the joint tripartite statement of Iran, Saudi Arabia and China on March 10, 2023 regarding the resumption of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and within the framework of coordination between the two countries regarding the necessary steps to resume diplomatic and consular work between them , the capital Beijing witnessed talks between the two sides, during which they stressed the importance of following up and activating the implementation of the Beijing Agreement, in a way that enhances mutual trust, expands the scope of cooperation and contributes to achieving security, stability and prosperity in the region.”
The ministry added: “The two sides affirmed their keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and activate the security cooperation agreement between the two countries signed in 2001, and the general agreement for cooperation in the field of economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports and youth signed in 1998.”
The ministry stated that the two sides agreed to reopen the diplomatic missions within the agreed period, and to proceed with taking the necessary measures to open the embassies of the two countries in Riyadh and Tehran, and their general consulates in Jeddah and Mashhad, and to continue coordination between the technical delegations on both sides to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.
The Ministry stated that the two sides agreed to resume flights, mutual visits by official delegations and by the private sector’s representatives, and to facilitate the granting of visas to citizens of the two countries, including the Umrah visa.
The ministry added that the two sides expressed their aspiration to intensify consultative meetings and discuss ways of cooperation, in order to achieve more positive prospects for relations in view of the natural resources, economic potentials that the two countries possess, and great opportunities to achieve the common benefit of the two brotherly peoples.
The Ministry said that the two sides affirmed their readiness to do everything possible to overcome any obstacles facing cooperation between them. They also agreed to enhance their cooperation in everything that would achieve security and stability in the region and serve the interests of its peoples and countries.
Yesterday, Abdollahian and bin Farhan discussed in Beijing the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Iranian “IRNA” agency stated that during the meeting, Abdullahian and Bin Farhan discussed the executive steps towards reopening the embassies and consulates of the two countries and some issues of bilateral relations, and they also exchanged views within the framework of affirming the official resumption of bilateral relations.
Iranian Assistant Foreign Minister Ali Reza Enayati also discussed with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid al-Khuraiji the resumption of relations between the two countries.
On March 10, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed, under the auspices of China, to resume bilateral relations and reopen the embassies of the two countries within two months.
O. al-Mohammad