Beijing, 10 March 2023

Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed on Friday to restore their diplomatic relations in two months time after seven years of severing ties.  The agreement affirms respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs of states.

The talks in Beijing started on Monday as part of an initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at 'developing good neighborly relations' between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the three countries said in a joint statement. Trilateral agreement was signed by Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran; Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Adviser Saudi National Security; and Wang Yi, Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Member of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been participating since 2021 in rounds of talks hosted by Iraq and Oman.

China’s role as a mediator in resolving longstanding issues between the regional foes had not been made public prior to the announcement. Wang reportedly said China will continue to play a constructive role in handling hotspot issues and demonstrate responsibility as a major nation. He added that as a 'good-faith' and 'reliable' mediator, China has fulfilled its duties as a host for dialogue.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after the Saudi Embassy in Tehran was attacked and burned by Iranian protesters, angered by the kingdom’s execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqr al-Nimr. The cleric had emerged as a leading figure in protests in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a Shiite-majority region in the Sunni-majority nation.

Foreign Ministry of Islamic Republic Of Iran has issued today a statement ' With this move, the Iranian government showed that it is determined and has designed steps forward to protect the interests of the Iranian nation as well as Muslim, friendly and neighboring countries and to use regional capacities to promote peace and inclusive stability, and to safeguard common interests of the regional governments and nations.”

The deal is also indicative of the steps taken by the administration of President Ebrahim Raisi to pursue a balanced foreign policy doctrine, active diplomacy and neighborly policies, the statement further said'.

The statement also expressed gratitude towards China, Iraq and Oman for their roles that helped the Islamic Republic and the kingdom clinch the deal.

As per the announcement from the UN 'Secretary-General welcomes a joint tripartite statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People’s Republic of China, made today in Beijing announcing the agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties in two months.

The Secretary-General expresses appreciation to People’s Republic of China for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries. The Secretary-General also commends efforts by other countries, such as the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq, in this regard. Good neighbourly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region.

The Secretary-General reiterates his readiness to use his good offices to further advance regional dialogue to ensure durable peace and security in the Gulf region.