Iran is ready to resume economic relations with all Arab countries in the Middle East region following the agreement on the restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Ehsan Khanduzi said.
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“Based on the neighborhood policy, our government is fully prepared to resume economic relations with all countries of the region and considers the strengthening of good neighborly relations with them as a factor in strengthening the region itself. Countries such as Saudi Arabia will have the opportunity of economic interaction with Iran,” Khanduzi said.
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Tehran and Riyadh on March 10, through the mediation of Beijing, signed an agreement on the resumption of diplomatic relations, and it is planned to open embassies within two months. The joint statement was signed after several days of talks between the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and his Saudi counterpart in Beijing. It is noted that the foreign ministers of the two states intend to meet to discuss the implementation of the agreement.
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Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh were cut short in 2016 after an attack on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran by protesters against the kingdom’s execution of prominent Shiite theologian Nimr al-Nimr, but in recent months the two sides have expressed a desire to resolve differences. In an interview with The Atlantic, released in September, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that relations with Iran should be built as with a neighboring country.
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However, in connection with the unrest in Iran, the country’s authorities began to accuse Saudi Arabia of their involvement and support.
