Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume bilateral relations and reopen embassies and diplomatic missions within a maximum period of two months. This is according to official Saudi and Iranian media.
The official Iranian News Agency (IRNA) and the official Saudi News Agency (SPA) stated that the Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, met with Saudi Minister of State and National Security Adviser Musaed bin Muhammad Al-Aiban in the Chinese capital, Beijing, where the agreement was reached.
The Iranian news agency “Tasnim” reported that a joint statement was issued stating that the two countries foreign ministers will meet to implement this decision and make the necessary arrangements for the exchange of ambassadors.
The statement, published by Tasnim, added that the two countries affirmed: “respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.”
In January 2016, Riyadh severed diplomatic relations with Tehran after the attack on the Kingdom’s embassy and consulate in Iran, amid Iranian protests against Saudi Arabia’s execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
