Enhancing ties with KSA benefits Islamic World : Iran's FM

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Oct 2023 13:26

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian affirms that Tehran is determined to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia in line with its vision for the interests of the Islamic world and to halt the process of normalization.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks at a news conference in Iran's capital Tehran, on April 13, 2022. (AFP)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian affirmed Tehran's intention to enhance its relations with Saudi Arabia within its vision for the interests of the Islamic world and to counteract normalization agreements with "Israel".

In an address to the 37th International Conference on Islamic Unity in Tehran, Iran's Foreign Minister stated, "Today, we are witnessing the return of Iranian-Saudi relations... Our perspective is that these relations should be deep and extensive, built on the interests of the Islamic world, to thwart the enemy and prevent normalization of relations with the Zionist entity."

He further noted that Iran welcomes opening a new chapter of relations with Muslim countries, but stressed that agreements must be based on protecting Palestinian interests and recognizing the illegitimacy of the Zionist entity.

Amir-Abdollahian also highlighted the improvement in relations between Iran and Egypt, stating, "We met with Egypt's foreign minister and made good agreements. We hope to see a positive development for the benefit of both countries."

This comes shortly after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in an address at the same conference, emphasized that Islamic unity is an essential means to counteract the cultural, media, and economic wars, and a crucial tool to fight the plots and aggressions of the United States and the Israeli occupation.

“The unity of the Islamic Ummah (World) has always been significant throughout the history of Islam,” Raisi said.

It is worth noting that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi extended on September 23 his heartfelt wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of Saudi Arabia's National Day.

In March of this year, Riyadh and Tehran announced an agreement to resume dialogue and diplomatic relations, reopening embassies in both countries. This rapprochement was achieved through Chinese mediation, ending years of severed relations.