Iran, Saudi Arabia sign deal to restore full ties

The dawn of a new age, a new era of regional cooperation begins as the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia meet for the first time in seven years -- the result of Beijing's efforts after two years of negotiations that began in Baghdad and continued in Muscat at expert levels.

With a strong political will from both Iran and Saudi Arabia, those talks eventually led to this high-level meeting in Beijing as Tehran and Riyadh turn a new page in their bilateral relations.

This marks the first official meeting between the two sides. Moving towards a promising future as they described their meetings and negotiations as "excellent" and "moving forward" and with both officials agreeing to pick up where they had left off seven years ago.

The comprehensive deal signed between the two countries back in 2001 entails a wide range of areas of cooperation from business, trade and investments to boosting regional security. A win-win deal considering the immense potential that currently exists and can also reshape the political landscape of the region.

With the world's second-largest economy in the mix particularly as a mediator that enjoys strong ties with both Iran, and Saudi Arabia and considering Beijing's ambitious plans for future economic development, the final statement signed by Iran and Saudi Arabia's top diplomats can be seen as a game changer.

Two years of negotiations have resulted in this historic meeting. A significant development that is sure to change the political equations of the region.

ME