‘Diplomatic missions in Iran, SA to open in coming days’

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fouad Hussein during his visit to Baghdad, Iraq, Feb 22, 2023. Iranian foreign minister said on April 28, 2023 that Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to open embassies and consulate generals in the two countries in the coming days. (PHOTO / AP)

TEHRAN/BEIRUT – Iranian foreign minister said on Friday Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to open embassies and consulate generals in the two countries in the coming days.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks at a press conference in the Lebanese capital of Beirut upon finishing his visit to the country, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.
He noted that the issue was agreed upon in his last phone call with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on April 20, and before this, the two ministers had also invited each other for official visits.

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said the Iran-Saudi Arabia deal to normalize ties is in the interest of the two countries as well as the entire region, from which Lebanon will also benefit

Amir-Abdollahian said the Iran-Saudi Arabia deal to normalize ties is in the interest of the two countries as well as the entire region, from which Lebanon will also benefit.

Saudi Arabia and Iran reached a deal in March to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions in the two countries within two months.

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On April 6, the two countries announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

‘New cooperation phase for Mideast’

Amir-Abdollahian on Friday hailed the recent political rapprochement among Middle Eastern countries, noting that the region has entered a new phase of cooperation.

"Recent political developments prove that this region has entered a new phase of cooperation; We believe that people and countries in this region are capable, through cooperation, of achieving development, stability, and security," Amir-Abdollahian said at a press conference held in Beirut, wrapping up his official visit to Lebanon.

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The Iranian top diplomat noted that the new political developments arising from the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia are fast, and require new and different regional initiatives. As a result, Iran rejects the presence of foreign military bases in the region, he added.