Iran's foreign minister talks cooperation, regional security on first visit to Saudi Arabia since restoration of ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian declared a new phase in the relations with Saudi Arabia, based on respect and common interests, during his first visit to the kingdom since the reestablishment of ties between the two countries in March.

At a press conference in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in all fields, especially in security and the economy, according to the London-based Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said he discussed regional and international issues of common interest with his Iranian counterpart.

Amir-Abdollahian and bin Farhan are also expected to continue talks related to a broad peace and security arrangement between the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Israel, including Saudi demands for Israeli concessions to the Palestinians.

The Iranian foreign minister didn’t miss the opportunity to reiterate the Islamic Republic’s support for Palestinians, saying that the conflict is “the most important issue in the Islamic world,” and emphasizing that Iran "continues to support Palestine,” the Times of Israel reported.

“There is no doubt that the Zionist regime will continue its efforts to create division in the Muslim world and the region. We follow the movements of the Zionist regime with insight and vigilance,” he said.

Bin Farhan also assured Iran that Riyadh is looking forward to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to the kingdom after an invitation from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Saudi foreign minister further stressed that the visit marks a pivotal moment for regional security and reiterated the kingdom's desire to reactivate agreements that were previously signed with Iran.

The visit by the Iranian foreign minister and the potential visit by Iran’s president further cement the restoration of ties between the countries that, until recently, saw each other as main rivals in the region.

The Saudi Kingdom sees itself as the main Sunni Muslim power in the region, a claim that rests on its control and protection of Islam’s holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

The Iranian Republic was created in 1979 out of revolutionary fervor and desire to convert the Muslim world to its brand of Shi’ite Islam, and the Iranian supreme leaders claim supremacy over all Shia Muslims in the world.