TEHRAN – Iran and Saudi Arabia are addressing shared regional challenges and deepening diplomatic and strategic engagement, according to Iranian ambassador for Riyadh Alileza Enayati.
Speaking to the IRNA in an interview released on Saturday, Enayati said that regional security is evolving. “Even Saudi officials are moving away from geopolitics-centric security and moving towards development-centric security. The foundations of regional security are undergoing change.”
The ambassador emphasized that over the past two years the two countries have been holding ongoing consultations, particularly on political and international issues relating to Palestine, beyond their previous stagnation. These efforts have encouraged the continued coordination of multiple organisations of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference to defend Palestinian rights, reflecting the rare convergence of interest following the Israeli attack on Gaza in October 2023.
High-level visits include even more stiff ties. The late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, former Foreign Minister Hossain Amir Abdulahian, and other senior officials met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a discussion targeting bilateral, regional and international concerns. Defence cooperation is also progressing, with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman meeting leaders of the Islamic Revolution and maintaining regular contact with Iranian military leaders.
“The economic and trade relationship is slowing down, but we see progress. Iran and Saudi Arabia have signed preliminary contracts on investment, taxation, transportation and trade delegations.
Enayati stressed that the new relationship is strategic. “We believe Saudi Arabia is necessary for region peace, stability and security,” he also pointed to potential cooperation on peaceful nuclear energy and WMD-free Middle East, noting that the dialogue remains in its early stages.
“While the region faces multiple challenges, dialogue and collaboration will help Iran and Saudi Arabia promote stability, security and mutual benefits in the wider region,” Enayati concluded.