Iran’s international minister met Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler on Friday throughout his first go to for the reason that Center East rivals introduced a shock rapprochement, officers mentioned.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who travelled to Riyadh on Thursday, held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Saudi international ministry introduced, after extending what had been scheduled to be a one-day go to.
The 2 reviewed relations between the international locations, “future alternatives for cooperation… and methods to develop them, along with discussing developments within the scenario on the regional and worldwide arenas”, the international ministry posted on X, previously generally known as Twitter.
Iran’s official IRNA information company mentioned it was the primary time a senior Iranian official had met with Prince Mohammed, 37, who has ushered in a sequence of reforms within the conservative kingdom.
Learn extra: Iran FM on first Saudi go to since ties restored: state media
In an announcement posted on X, Amir-Abdollahian known as the 90-minute assembly a “direct, frank, and productive dialog” that addressed bilateral relations, safety and growth.
“The way in which to the success of the area is to strengthen dialogue and cooperation and improve development-oriented cooperation,” he mentioned, in response to an announcement from Tehran’s international ministry.
Shia Muslim-majority Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi broke off ties in 2016, however they agreed to revive diplomatic relations in a Chinese language-brokered deal in March.
The announcement sparked optimism as the 2 regional heavyweights have backed opposing sides in battle zones throughout the Center East for years, together with in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s impoverished neighbour.
On Thursday, Amir-Abdollahian mentioned ties “are progressing in the suitable course” as he appeared in entrance of the media together with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
His go to would “be a prelude to the assembly of the heads of the 2 international locations”, he mentioned, with out specifying when Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi would journey to Saudi Arabia at King Salman’s invitation.
Iran’s high diplomat hailed financial and safety cooperation between the 2 international locations, however introduced no new agreements. He was accompanied by Iran’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati.
“We’re certain that these conferences and cooperation will assist the unity of the Islamic world,” Amir-Abdollahian added, proposing a “regional dialogue” with out giving particulars.
For the reason that March deal, Saudi Arabia has ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, holding direct talks with Houthi leaders within the Yemeni capital Sanaa, and championed the return of key Iran ally Syria to the Arab League.