Iranian and Saudi Foreign Ministers Meet to Discuss Regional Stability
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and pressing regional developments amid rising tensions in West Asia. This meeting follows Araghchi’s arrival in the Saudi capital with his accompanying delegation.
During the discussions, Araghchi underscored that the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian is committed to expanding relations with neighboring countries to enhance regional security, stability, and welfare. A statement from the Iranian foreign ministry’s spokesman, shared on Telegram, highlighted Araghchi’s emphasis on the need to implement agreements reached between Iran and Saudi Arabia during the tenure of the late President Ebrahim Raisi.
In response, Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to strengthen bilateral ties and highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination on various issues between the two nations. The foreign ministers also addressed the current developments in the region.
Araghchi stressed the urgent need to halt Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon to prevent further escalation and an all-out conflict. He called on all regional countries to utilize their political resources to stop the violence and destruction affecting innocent civilians and infrastructure in both Gaza and Lebanon.
Faisal bin Farhan echoed these sentiments, stating that Iran and Saudi Arabia share a common objective of maintaining security and stability in the region. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to cooperate in achieving this goal.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, described the negotiations as “useful and constructive,” emphasizing the mutual call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to affected refugees.
Baghaei also noted that Araghchi’s visit aligns with Iran’s diplomatic efforts with regional countries to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Lebanon. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring nations to foster stability, security, and enhanced economic cooperation, benefiting all regional countries.
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Araghchi stated that discussing ongoing regional developments was the primary goal of his visit. He expressed hope that the talks would lead to improved conditions for Palestine and Lebanon, ultimately contributing to greater regional peace.
Looking ahead, Araghchi mentioned that Iran’s relations with Saudi Arabia are progressing positively and indicated plans for further discussions on bilateral matters during a subsequent visit to the kingdom.
