Iran hails PGCC support for détente agreement with Saudi Arabia

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani has welcomed a statement issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) in support of an agreement on restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which were severed over the past seven years.

According to Press TV, the diplomat on Thursday expressed hope that the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia would play an effective role in increasing regional stability, peace and development and promoting dialogue-based approaches in the Persian Gulf region.

He once again commended effective efforts by China, Iraq and Oman to host the normalization talks, saying that the support of the regional countries for the accord indicates their will to promote diplomatic initiatives in the region.

In a Wednesday statement issued by the PGCC Ministerial Council at the end of its 155th session, the body hailed a recent agreement signed between Tehran and Riyadh to restore diplomatic relations, saying the accord will mark a positive step in resolving differences and ending regional conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

In his remark, Kan'ani also reiterated Tehran's stance vis-à-vis the three Persian Gulf islands of Bumusa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, saying they are an "integral and eternal" part of Iran.

In its statement, the PGCC Ministerial Council had supported the UAE's claims to the islands and described them an indivisible part of the country. 

The spokesman further rejected claims by the PGCC Ministerial Council about the country's nuclear program.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is aware of its international responsibilities and commitments and has always adhered to them," he said. 

Kan'ani emphasized that Iran is in contact with the relevant parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), based on the technical and political framework as per the agreement.

"Based on its strategic view and principled policies, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always considered interaction and cooperation with its neighbors as the best solution to regional issues and welcomed positive initiatives in the field of developing relations based on good neighborliness and international principles and rules," he said.

SS