Iran, Saudi Arabia determined to develop ties

Speaking in a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal, Mottaki said that Iran-Saudi Arabia ties, the continuation of political consultations between the two countries, the establishment of joint economic commissions in the near future, and the most significant developments in the region were discussed during their meeting.

Talks also focused on the security situation in Iraq, the initiative by the Arab League to hold the Wefaq (Unity) conference in Baghdad, and the upcoming ninth conference of the foreign ministers of Iraq’s neighbors in Tehran, he added.

Mottaki stated that Iran and Saudi Arabia are unanimous in the view that Palestinian groups should unite and that the contributions of Islamic countries to the innocent Palestinians should continue.

As two significant countries in the region, Iran and Saudi Arabia should try to foster Islamic unity, he said.

For his part, al-Faisal underlined Saudi Arabia’s support for Iran’s right to access nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes.

He stressed that Iran’s nuclear rights should be observed based on international law, stating that Saudi Arabia praises Iran’s stance against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapons will lead to insecurity in the region, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia supports a diplomatic solution to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.  

The policy of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states is to create a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, he explained.

“We believe any effort in this regard should not exclude Israel, particularly in attempts to establish peace in Palestine.”

He noted that establishing peace and security for regional nations is the most significant duty of Iran and Saudi Arabia, given their status in the region.

Al-Faisal expressed hope that the new Iraqi government would be able to establish security in the country by strengthening national unity.

Neighboring states are duty bound to support the new Baghdad government in its efforts to establish security and maintain its territorial integrity, he observed.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Saudi chief diplomat stressed the need to expand Tehran-Riyadh ties.

He said that the two countries are determined to stabilize the oil market in favor of OPEC exporters and consumers.

Al-Faisal also met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to personally deliver a message from Saudi Arabian King Abdullah.

SA/HL/HG

End

MNA