Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian arrived in Saudi capital of Riyadh on Thursday in a trip which is the first visit to Saudi Arabia by an Iranian foreign minister in more than 10 years.
He was accorded warm welcome by Saudi authorities at Riyadh airport.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan, Amirabdollahian said that relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are progressing on the right track.
He stressed that both Tehran and Riyadh are determined to improve their bilateral relations in all areas.
Amirabdollahian noted that both sides share the view that existing agreements on economic, trade, and security issues must be implemented.
He also mentioned that he and his Saudi counterpart discussed regional dialogue on a wide range of issues, including cooperation on environmental issues and rescue and relief operations.
In line with President Ebrahim Raisi’s policy of reaching out to neighboring countries, Amirabdollahian said that Iran is working to improve relations with its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi foreign minister, for his part, said that his country and Iran are looking forward to a new chapter in their bilateral relations, based on brotherhood, mutual respect, and shared interests.
He stated that their meeting focused on expanding bilateral ties in various areas, building on previous efforts to ensure regional security.
Bin Farhan also announced that, as part of the expansion of bilateral ties and the promotion of regional stability, the two countries have reopened their diplomatic posts.
Stressing the need for pursuing previous agreements in different security and economic areas, Bin Farhan said that he and Amirabdollahian discussed the need for further negotiations.
He also referred to King Salman’s official invitation of President Raisi to pay a visit to Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia expects a visit to the country by the Iranian president in the near future.