Arab union: Iran-Saudi detente set to end regional conflicts

The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) has hailed a recent agreement signed between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations after seven years of estrangement, saying the accord will mark a positive step in resolving differences and ending regional conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

In a statement issued by the PGCC Ministerial Council at the end of its 155th session, the body said the agreement, signed in Beijing at the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, includes resumption of diplomatic relations, reopening of embassies, and activation of security and economic cooperation accords between Tehran and Riyadh.

The PGCC is a union of six countries in the Persian Gulf region including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

It expressed hope that the agreement would establish relations among countries on the basis of understanding, mutual respect, good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to the United Nations Charter and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international laws and norms.

After several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, the two countries finally clinched a deal on March 10 to restore diplomatic relations and re-open embassies and missions within two months.

According to a joint statement, Iran and Saudi Arabia underscored the need to respect each other’s national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.

Iran, Saudi Arabia and China also expressed their firm determination to make their utmost efforts to promote regional and international peace and security.

SS