Note to correspondents – on the announcement that Iran and Saudi Arabia will resume ties

The Secretary-General welcomes a joint tripartite statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People’s Republic of China, made today in Beijing announcing the agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties in two months.

The Secretary-General expresses appreciation to People’s Republic of China for hosting these recent talks and for promoting dialogue between the two countries. The Secretary-General also commends efforts by other countries, such as the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq, in this regard. Good neighbourly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are essential for the stability of the Gulf region.

The Secretary-General reiterates his readiness to use his good offices to further advance regional dialogue to ensure durable peace and security in the Gulf region.