Saudi Minister urges improved maritime security in first Iran visit since detente

TDT | agencies

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Top Saudi Arabian diplomat yesterday confirmed that the kingdom will reopen its diplomatic mission in Tehran “soon” following a landmark visit to Tehran after a seven-year rupture.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, also called for enhancing maritime security in the crucial Gulf region during a joint news conference held with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Tehran.

"I would like to point out the importance of cooperation between our two countries concerning the regional security, especially the security of maritime navigation and waterways,” he stressed.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, also added that the relationship between Saudi and Iran are based on a clear foundation of “full and mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.”

Prince Faisal also said the Saudi king and crown prince are looking forward to Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi "accepting the invitation to visit the Kingdom soon, God willing".

Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the northwestern city of Mashhad was attacked during protests in 2016.

But the two countries agreed in March to mend ties and reopen their respective embassies, in a Chinese-brokered deal that has shifted regional relations.

Following which, Iran on the 6th of June this year had also reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia.

During the press conference, the Iranian foreign minister told reporters they had discussing ways of bolstering cooperation in the fields of security, economy, tourism and transportation.

The Saudi foreign minister said he would extend an invitation to Raisi "to visit the kingdom soon".

Prince Faisal was the first Saudi foreign minister to visit Iran since 2006 when the late Saudi top diplomat Prince Saudi al-Faisal made a trip to Tehran.

Iran has also said it would welcome restoring diplomatic ties with Bahrain to end a seven year rupture.