Iranian, Saudi foreign ministers meet in Beijing

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan held a meeting in China’s capital on Thursday morning.

According to Tasnim news agency, heading a delegation, the top Iranian diplomat arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night for an official meeting with his Saudi counterpart after seven years.

The two foreign ministers have reportedly discussed plans for the restoration of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh under an agreement that was reached in March, mediated by China.

The practical plans for the reopening of the Iranian and Saudi embassies and consulates as well as a series of issues relating to the bilateral relations were among the other topics mooted in the ministerial meeting.

Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian is also going to hold a meeting with his Chinese counterpart during his stay in Beijing for talks about bilateral, regional and international issues.

After several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia clinched a deal on March 10 to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months after seven years of estrangement.

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.

ME