The EU welcomed the agreement reached by Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations after representatives from both countries met in Beijing on Saturday.
“The European Union welcomes and looks forward to the execution of the announced agreement on the restart of diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Peter Stano, the EU’s lead spokesperson for external affairs.
“The EU recognizes the diplomatic efforts that led to this significant move,” Stano remarked.
He stressed the importance of Riyadh and Tehran for regional security, stating that the restart of bilateral relations “may contribute to the stabilization of the area as a whole.”
Stano emphasized that the EU’s top aims in the Middle East are to reduce tensions and support peace and stability.
The union remains willing to engage with all parties in the region “in a gradual and inclusive approach, and in full openness,” according to the spokeswoman.
The two Persian Gulf neighbors suspended diplomatic ties after an enraged mob invaded the Saudi diplomatic office in Tehran in January 2016 over the killing of a Saudi Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
Since April 2021, the two estranged neighbors have been engaged in continuous talks to reestablish diplomatic ties, which have been mediated by Iraq. Both Tehran and Riyadh acknowledged progress, but a breakthrough remained elusive.