Joint Statement Issued Following Discussions by Saudi, Iranian Foreign Ministers in Beijing

In light of the joint trilateral statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China, issued on March 10, 2023, on resuming relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of coordination between the two countries on the steps needed to resume diplomatic and consular work between them, Beijing hosted discussions between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian, on April 6, 2023.

During the talks, the two sides stressed the importance of activating and pursuing the implementation of the Beijing Agreement, thus enhancing mutual trust and expanding cooperation, and contributing to realising security, stability and prosperity in the region.

The two sides affirmed their keenness to explore ways of boosting bilateral relations and activating the security cooperation agreement between the two countries, signed on April 17, 2001, as well as the general agreement on cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports and youth, signed on May 27, 1998.

The two countries agreed to reopen their diplomatic missions within the agreed period, proceed with the necessary measures to open the embassies of the two countries in Riyadh and Tehran, and their consulates general in Jeddah and Mashhad, and continue coordination between the two sides' technical teams to explore ways of boosting cooperation, including resuming flights, carrying out reciprocal visits of official delegations and the private sector, and facilitating the issuance of visas for nationals of the two countries, including for performing Umrah.

The two sides also expressed hope that they will hold more consultative meetings and explore means of cooperation, with positive outcomes, considering the natural resources, economic potential, and many opportunities their countries have, which can help both gain mutual benefit. They also said they were ready to make every possible effort to overcome any obstacles that may hinder their cooperation.

Both sides agreed to boost cooperation in order to support stability and security in the region, to mutual benefit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides expressed their thanks and appreciation to China for hosting this meeting. They also thanked the Swiss government for its efforts and care for the Saudi-Iranian interests.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, renewed the invitation to Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian to visit the Kingdom and hold a meeting in Riyadh.

The Iranian minister welcomed the invitation and, in turn, invited Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to visit Iran and hold a meeting in Tehran, and the prince welcomed it.