Iran, Saudi Arabia upbeat about bilateral ties

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud have expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, reported Xinhua.

During a meeting held Monday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on the sidelines of a summit with leaders from the Arab and Islamic world, the two sides discussed prospects for future cooperation, steps to halt Israel's "brutal aggressions" against the Palestinian and Lebanese people, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to war-affected regions, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.

Aref emphasized the influential roles of Iran and Saudi Arabia in West Asia and the broader Muslim world, stating that strengthening political relations is on a positive and "irreversible" path. He said this development would benefit not only the two countries but also other regional and Islamic states.

Aref added that, alongside political ties, Iran and Saudi Arabia aim to deepen cooperation in economic, cultural, scientific, and technological fields.

Aref also highlighted the two countries' significant roles in resolving regional conflicts, calling for solidarity within the Muslim world to counter Israel's "brutal aggression."

The Saudi crown prince, for his part, stated that his country viewed the expansion and deepening of bilateral ties with Iran as "favorable" and that Saudi Arabia was committed to pursuing these developments, particularly in economic and cultural areas.

He noted that the events and developments in the West Asia region over the past year have not hindered the momentum of relations between the two countries.

The crown prince further condemned Israel's "aggressions" against regional countries and criticized its disregard for international law, assuring that Saudi Arabia would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran.

Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations in April 2023 with China's mediation, ending a seven-year diplomatic freeze.