An Iranian embassy in Saudi Arabia has opened for the first time in seven years, as part of a deal to restore ties between the two countries whose rivalry is fueling conflict in the Middle East, a Reuters eyewitness told Reuters.
According to a Reuters reporter, the heavy gates of the Iranian embassy complex in Riyadh were opened and the group was inspecting its premises. A white truck pulled up to the gate.
The diplomatic mission was opened a few hours after the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that a technical delegation had arrived in the kingdom.
“The Iranian delegation will take the necessary measures in Riyadh and Jeddah to host an embassy and a consulate general,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said.
Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran severed ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked by protesters following the execution in Riyadh of Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shiite cleric.
As a sign of support for Riyadh, other Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, cut off diplomatic relations with Tehran.
Since then, the two sides have been in conflict in many countries: Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq. Other Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, lowered diplomatic relations with Tehran, siding with Riyadh.
In recent months, the Emirates and Kuwait have resumed diplomatic relations with Iran.
It is recalled that the agreement between the two parties was concluded under the auspices of China and provides for the renewal of the security treaty they concluded in 2001 regarding border control and the fight against terrorism.
Regarding this event, Chinese President Xi Jinping characteristically stated: “Recently, progress in the diplomatic de-escalation of tensions between the countries of the region has significantly strengthened. China is ready to support the process of continuing the dialogue between the two countries.
For his part, the Saudi prince “expressed the kingdom’s gratitude for the Chinese initiative aimed at supporting efforts to develop good neighborly relations” with Iran.
Source: Kathimerini
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