Saudi Arabia said Tuesday that it intends to maintain “productive discussion” with Iran following an agreement to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two countries after officials from both countries met in Beijing.
The Saudi Cabinet expressed “hope to continue the constructive dialogue in accordance with the pillars and foundations included in the agreement, and in a way that benefits the two countries and the region in general, and enhances regional and international peace and security,” according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Adherence to “the principles and purposes of Charters of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international treaties and norms” is also included in the agreement.
The agreement also includes restarting diplomatic relations between the two countries and supporting the values of respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in state internal affairs, according to the statement.
The Cabinet also stressed the importance of regional and global security and stability, as well as political solutions through discussion.
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed last week to re-establish relations after officials from both nations met in Beijing.
The two Persian Gulf neighbors suspended diplomatic ties when an irate mob invaded the Saudi diplomatic mission in Tehran in January 2016 following the killing of famous Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
The two estranged neighbors were engaged in marathon talks brokered by Iraq since April 2021 to restore diplomatic relations. Both Tehran and Riyadh noted progress, but a breakthrough had been elusive.