Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss regional developments

By Ibrahim Al Khazen

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AA) - Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and his acting Iranian counterpart Ali Bagheri over the phone discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and shared interests, according to a statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry on Friday.

The statement has not provided any further details regarding the content of the phone conversation.

On June 11, the Saudi and Iranian ministers also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia and discussed bilateral relations, and regional and international developments, including the situation in Gaza and Rafah.

Efforts toward stability were also a focal point, as stated by the Saudi Foreign Ministry at the time.

Last Monday, Bagheri received Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji in Tehran during the 19th Asian Cooperation Forum.

Bagheri previously emphasized that Saudi-Iranian relations were moving in the right direction, expressing both countries’ serious intent to create stability during this critical and sensitive period, according to Iranian media.

On March 10, 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption of diplomatic relations following talks facilitated by China in Beijing.

Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in 2016 after attacks on its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad (eastern Iran), leading to a diplomatic hiatus between the two countries.

The decision was in protest of the execution of Saudi Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, who faced “terrorism-related” charges.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul