Iranian Foreign Minister Announces Intention to Send Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

In an interview with ICANA, a news agency affiliated with the Iranian Parliament, published on Wednesday, the top diplomat made the remarks.

He remarked that the particulars regarding the reopening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran would be declared shortly.

Amir-Abdollahian noted that the re-establishment of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has a “great potential” which could be beneficial to both countries, the region, and the entire Muslim world.

At the first meeting between the foreign ministers of two states in seven years, held in Beijing on April 6, they underscored the necessity to carry out the reconciliation agreement that was signed on March 10.

Nasser Kan’ani, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, stated at a press conference on Monday that substantial progress has been achieved in the reopening of diplomatic missions.

He stated that the progress of preparing diplomatic missions had been positive in accordance with the agreement and practical judgement. However, he noted that more time is required as the buildings have not been used in a number of years.

The diplomat expressed hope that the missions would be quickly reopened, noting that they were in the final stages of preparation.

Kan’ani noted that political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are already established, and Tehran is hopeful that this reconciliation will continue due to the dedication and positive attitude of both sides.

In recent weeks, technical delegations from Tehran and Riyadh have visited their respective diplomatic missions to put in place the necessary arrangements and preparations for reopening.

On March 10, after intense talks hosted by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies.

In a joint statement released following the agreement, Tehran and Riyadh underscored the importance of respecting one another’s national sovereignty and refraining from meddling in each other’s internal affairs.

In April 2001, they agreed to put into effect a security cooperation agreement, and in May 1998, they further agreed to a separate accord in order to strengthen their relationship in various areas, including the economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports, and youth affairs.

A relaxation of tensions can help to ease the instability that has been present in a region for many years.

In January 2016, the Saudi government executed prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, which resulted in the storming of its embassy in Tehran by Iranian protesters. In response, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran.