Iranian delegation in Saudi Arabia to prepare for embassy reopening

An Iranian delegation has arrived in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to discuss the implementation of an agreement reached between the two sides last month to resume diplomatic relations, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kan’ani said a “technical delegation” from Iran arrived in Riyadh at noon today, Wednesday, and was welcomed by Saudi officials.

“In two working groups in Riyadh and Jeddah, the Iranian delegation will take the necessary measures to set up an embassy and a consulate general, as well as the permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” he explained.

“Efforts will be made to reopen and activate the representative offices of our country before the annual Hajj days of this year,” he added.

Kan’ani also said that the technical delegation of Saudi Arabia, which had arrived in Iran on Saturday, will leave for Mashhad tomorrow.

Earlier Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV network reported the arrival of the Iranian technical team in Saudi Arabia.

The development followed last week’s meeting in Beijing between the Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers, who underscored the need to implement the reconciliation agreement in an attempt to enhance mutual trust and help boost security in the region.

It was the first formal gathering of the top diplomats in more than seven years, after China brokered the peace deal between the two Middle Eastern powers.