The UN congratulated Saudi Arabia and Iran on their decision to resume diplomatic relations on Friday and thanked China for its assistance in the talks.
In a joint statement issued today in Beijing, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the People’s Republic of China announced an agreement reached between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic relations within two months. “I want to welcome this announcement on behalf of the Secretary-General,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
Although appreciating the efforts of other nations, like Oman and Iraq, he stated, “The Secretary-General has expressed his appreciation to the people of the People’s Republic of China for hosting these recent talks and for promoting engagement between the two countries.
Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was prepared to “further develop regional discussion and to maintain permanent peace and security in the Gulf region,” adding that “excellent neighborly relations” between Iran and Saudi Arabia are “vital” for the stability of the Gulf region.
After an angry mob attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran in January 2016 in response to the killing of the Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, the two Persian Gulf neighbors broke their ties.
Since April 2021, the two neighbors have been holding protracted discussions to mend fences. The negotiations were mediated by Iraq.
Tehran and Riyadh acknowledged the advancements, but the breakthrough had eluded them.