Iran’s president-elect, Saudi crown prince discuss closer cooperation

The Saudi crown prince has once again congratulated Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian on his recent electoral victory, placing a premium on closer cooperation between the two countries.

Mohammed bin Salman made the remarks in a phone conversation on Wednesday, according to a statement by Saudi media.

Pezeshkian expressed gratitude and appreciation to bin Salman for his kind sentiments, according to the statement.

The statement said the two sides praised the development of Iran-Saudi relations at various levels.

The crown prince had sent a congratulatory message to Pezeshkian following his victory in the presidential run-off of July 5.

Bin Salman expressed his “sincere congratulations and best wishes” for the success and further progress of Iran and its “brotherly people.”

The Saudi crown prince said he was keen to “develop and deepen relations that unite our two countries and peoples, and serve our common interests.”

Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed relations following a seven-year hiatus under a China-brokered deal in 2023, which saw the two sides re-open diplomatic missions.

Tehran and Riyadh also agreed to implement a security cooperation agreement signed in April 2001 and another accord reached in May 1998 to boost economic, commercial, investment, technical, scientific, cultural, sports, and youth affairs cooperation.