FM Hopes for Opening of New Chapter in Tehran-Riyadh Ties

“Good relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two major and influential countries in the region, will serve the interests of the two nations, region and the Islamic world as well as the entire world,” Mohammad Javad Zarif said in his meeting with Ambassador Abul-Rahman bin-Qarman al-Shahri.

The Iranian top diplomat referred to the existing opportunities and challenges on the regional and international scene, and stated that they should be used at the service of the interests of the two countries.

Zarif also wished success for the Saudi ambassador in his diplomatic mission in Tehran.

The new Saudi ambassador, too, for his part emphasized that the regional and world countries, including Saudi Arabia, have broadly welcomed the new Iranian government’s détente and proactive foreign policy.

Ambassador al-Shahri meanwhile vowed to do his best for the expansion and development of relations between the two great Islamic countries.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said on Jan. 2 that the improvement of ties with the Persian Gulf littoral states sets a "top priority" for the Islamic Republic of Iran,

“Iran’s ties with the Persian Gulf littoral states will get better day by day, and we will try to have these relations upgraded to the highest level,” Zarif said in post on his Facebook page.

Iran's new administration has on many occasions underlined that expansion of ties with the neighboring states, Persian Gulf Arab states in particular, is top on its foreign policy agenda.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also expressed Tehran’s readiness to hold talks with Saudi Arabia whenever the Kingdom’s officials are ready for a meeting.

“We are ready for consultation and talks with Saudi Arabia’s officials whenever the brothers in Saudi Arabia are prepared, and we consider that (bilateral meeting) as beneficial to both countries, the region and the Islamic world,” Zarif said on his Facebook page.