Iran, Saudi Arabia emphasize opening new page in mutual relations

Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 27

By Umid Niayesh - Trend:

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal stressed the importance of opening a new page in the political relations between the two countries.

In a meeting in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah city on Aug. 26 the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, in particular the current situation in the region and threats the Muslim world is facing, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported Aug 27.

The officials underlined the importance of establishment of stability and security in the region.

The two sides also criticized using religion as a tool to taint the image of Islam by the extremist and groups.

Amir Abdollahian arrived in Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Aug. 25 for an official visit.

Prince Saud al-Faisal, said on May 13 that his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif has been invited to visit the kingdom.

Faisal also said that his country is ready to improve the relations with Iran, adding that Saudi Arabia hopes to settle any differences with the Islamic Republic during the future talks.

Amir-Abdollahian, in turn, replied that his country has not received any official invitation from Saudi Arabia for Zarif's visit, and went on to note that the foreign ministers of the two countries will hold a meeting in near future, but the exact time has not been set.

Amir-Abdollahian also said that Tehran welcomes Prince Saud al-Faisal's possible visit to Iran.

"Iran and Saudi Arabia are two key states in the region," he said, adding that negotiations between the two countries can be important for resolving conflicts in the region.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have their differences over several regional issues such as the situations in Syria and Bahrain.