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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud. Photo/REUTERS
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud agreed to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian to pave the way for the reopening of embassies and consulates.
The official Saudi news agency reported on Thursday (23/3/2023) that the two ministers exchanged greetings on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Abdollahian said earlier that he would soon meet the Saudi foreign minister.
He added Iran had proposed a third country to host the meeting.
Abdollahian confirmed Tehran and Riyadh agreed to return relations to their normal lines, noting the two sides exchanged messages through Switzerland, which manages Saudi interests in Iran.
He said there was an agreement with Saudi Arabia for technical delegations from both countries to inspect the two embassies to prepare for their reopening.
Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed earlier this month to restore ties after years of animosity that threatened stability and security in the Gulf and contributed to fueling conflicts in countries such as Yemen and Syria.
“This comes in response to the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and in accordance with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iran, and their desire to resolve their differences,” the tripartite statement said.
Riyadh and Tehran have been holding face-to-face talks since 2021, in a bid to contain seven years of tension and alienation. Last April, they held their fifth round of talks in Iraq.
(she)
