Raisi stresses importance of ties with Saudi as he meets ambassador

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Sep 2023 09:56
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Ahead of the newly-appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati's departure to Riyadh, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirms the important role of Iran-Saudi relations.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi meets with the Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati in Tehran on September 5, 2023. (IRNA)

Following a meeting that brought together Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with the newly-appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, on Monday, the Iranian President stressed that Iran sought to develop and consolidate relations with Saudi Arabia.

Raisi emphasized that strengthening bilateral connections with Saudi Arabia and multilateral partnerships with other nations in the region will not only improve the region's overall capabilities but also reduce external forces' intervention in regional affairs.

Earlier on Sunday, Enayati announced that he would be departing to Riyadh on Tuesday to take office.

On August 6, the Saudi embassy in Iran resumed its operations in the country as officials told IRNA that "the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Islamic Republic of Iran has officially resumed its activities in our country since Sunday [August 6]."

On June 6, an Iranian source told Al Mayadeen that the Iranian embassy in Riyadh officially launched its work under the leadership of Enayati, who formerly served as Iran's ambassador to Kuwait.

Iranian FM in Riyadh to discuss bilateral ties with Saudi counterpart

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on August 17, heading a high-ranking delegation, and held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. The foreign ministers discussed various issues pertaining to their bilateral relations, as well as regional, international, and Islamic world issues.

During a press briefing, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian confirmed that the meeting comes in the context of previously held meetings and urged "the idea of conducting a regional dialogue at the level of the Gulf region."

Amir-Abdollahian also commended the progress achieved in normalizing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the two countries' intention to expand bilateral cooperation.

"We are moving in the right direction, and relations with Saudi Arabia are witnessing progress, and both parties are determined to expand and strengthen cooperation in all fields, focus on the practical aspect of the agreements between the two countries, and implement them across the fields of security, economy, and trade."

Amir-Abdollahian further revealed that Tehran and Riyadh also agreed to name joint committees to be headed by foreign ministers and expressed hope that "the idea of achieving security and development in the region cannot be divided," reaffirming that Iran "extends a hand of cooperation to neighboring countries."

Most significant was Amri-Abdollahian's reaffirmation that "Iran continues its strong support for the Palestinian cause." The Iranian FM explained, "We have no doubt that the Zionist entity will sow seeds of discord and hostility in our region, and we are alert to the movements of this entity."

The top diplomat, regarding the Iranian President's invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, noted that "President Raisi received an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia from King Salman, and he will visit it at the appropriate time."

On his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that "the kingdom is looking forward to the visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi," adding that "I assured my Iranian counterpart of the Kingdom's keenness to activate previous agreements between the two countries, especially those related to security and economy."

Furthermore, the Saudi FM also stressed the importance of "raising the level of cooperation and coordination between the two countries."