A landmark deal recently brokered by China between the two arch-rivals in the Middle East is coming to fruition as Iran reopens its embassy in the Saudi capital of Riyadh after a gap of nearly seven years. Arabia reported on Tuesday.
In March 2023, the two countries, under Beijing’s umbrella, agreed to reopen their respective embassies and work to restore ties, in 2016 Riyadh severed ties after Iranian protests.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Reza Baghdeli, speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony, said that we consider today an important day in the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era,” he added.
According to AFPthe Iranian mission reopened in its former premises in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter — near the Syrian embassy, which is also expected to reopen soon after Saudi access to Damascus.
However, Riyadh has not yet confirmed when it will open its embassy in Tehran or select its ambassador, although a Saudi delegation visited the Iranian capital in April.
Tuesday’s reopening coincides with a visit to Saudi Arabia by US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken, who is forging closer ties with Washington’s rivals in the oil-rich kingdom.
Director of Consular Affairs of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ali Al Youssef, also participated in the ceremony held at the embassy.
The mission returned under the leadership of Ali Reza Inayati, the former ambassador of Iran to Kuwait.
After years of disagreement, the two Middle East heavyweights signed a surprise reconciliation agreement in China on March 10.
Since then, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Tehran’s ally Syria and stepped up efforts for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have supported opposing sides in conflict zones in the Middle East for years.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, according to a US official.
Top US diplomats are also scheduled to attend a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh on Wednesday.
— Additional input from AFP.