Iran President Proposes Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia as Regional Cooperation Model
Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has emphasized the potential for Iran and Saudi Arabia to exemplify regional collaboration. He highlighted that the unity among Islamic nations is crucial for attaining peace, security, and sustainable economic progress in the region.
Pezeshkian delivered his statements while meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his delegation in Tehran on Thursday evening. This engagement came shortly after the Saudi minister’s arrival in the Iranian capital, aimed at discussing regional developments and fostering bilateral relations with Iranian officials.
The Iranian leader highlighted the profound religious, cultural, and historical ties shared among Islamic nations and stressed the importance of enhancing unity and cohesion within the Islamic world.
Pezeshkian emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering fraternal bonds among Islamic nations, stating that since the current administration took office, efforts have been intensified to enhance these ties. He noted that if Islamic countries can achieve a unified stance and genuine solidarity, it would diminish the ability of the Zionist regime to perpetuate tragedies similar to those currently being witnessed in the besieged Gaza Strip.
He highlighted the critical need to transcend differences and enhance regional cooperation.
Pezeshkian emphasized that leaders of Islamic nations have the capacity to establish an exemplary model of coexistence, prosperity, and progress that could inspire other societies. He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is entirely ready to deepen its relations with Saudi Arabia across various sectors and to extend bilateral cooperation to other Islamic countries.
He also praised the proposal to establish joint working groups across various political, economic, and security sectors between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement highlighting regional cooperation, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran and Saudi Arabia, leveraging their combined strengths and devoid of external intervention, possess the capability to address numerous regional challenges. He expressed optimism that the burgeoning goodwill between the nations would bolster the interests of the Islamic world while deterring adversaries from meddling and fostering discord.
He emphasized the significance of bilateral dialogue in bolstering regional stability and expressed Iran’s willingness to welcome Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz along with the kingdom’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed his pleasure in visiting Iran, extending the cordial greetings of his father, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his brother, the Crown Prince, to the President of Iran.
The Saudi defense minister reported that the discussions with Iranian officials were highly productive, indicating they were beneficial, positive, and constructive in nature.
He highlighted the imperative for unity and convergence within the Islamic world, asserting that Pezeshkian accurately identified the fundamental issue facing the Islamic community: the absence of unity and cohesion.
Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized that any developments, be they positive or negative, have an inevitable impact on all nations within the region.
He underscored the significant influence of Tehran and Riyadh in shaping regional dynamics.
Iran and Saudi Arabia stand as two central pillars in the region, with their robust relationship offering a potential blueprint for collaboration and synergy across the Islamic world. Prince Khalid bin Salman highlighted that the Beijing Agreement signifies the starting point of cooperative efforts between the nations, suggesting that the prospects for their bilateral relations extend significantly beyond this initial accord.
In March 2023, the Beijing Agreement, facilitated by China, was signed with the objective of renewing diplomatic relations and fostering mutual respect for sovereignty and security between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The accord adheres to the principles outlined in the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister has indicated that the kingdom’s leadership is enthusiastic about arranging a visit to Iran at the first available opportunity.
Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized that Iran and Saudi Arabia hold aligned views on the situation unfolding in Gaza and Palestine. He further stated that the activities of the Zionist regime in regions such as Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria expose its efforts to capitalize on current regional divisions.
In a move highlighting the significance of ongoing bilateral discussions, the Saudi Defense Minister extended a formal invitation to Pezeshkian to visit Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Saudi King and Crown Prince. The invitation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing cooperative efforts across all sectors with Iran.
