ISLAMABAD: In a historic development that signifies a significant improvement in regional relations, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, hosted a momentous meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian.
The meeting in Jeddah, which was not initially scheduled, occurred a day after Amirabdollahian’s arrival in the kingdom. He declared that the ties between the two countries were “on the right track” following discussions with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
MBS and Amirabdollahian engaged in conversation with smiles, while Prince Faisal and the Iranian delegation observed.
Here are five essential insights derived from the meeting:
- Both sides agreed to initiate a dialogue to address their differences. This marks the first such agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
- A spectrum of regional matters, including the Yemeni civil war, the nuclear deal, and Gulf security, were pivotal topics of discussion.
- Many observers perceived this gathering as a positive stride towards potentially thawing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
- However, the ability of both sides to surmount their disparities and attain enduring peace remains uncertain.
- The meeting held heightened significance due to its timing just days after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. This departure has created a new security void in the region, prompting Saudi Arabia and Iran to vie for influence.
In addition to the aforementioned takeaways, further details from the meeting emerged:
Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said that they deliberated ways to “strengthen coordination” and tackle “regional challenges.”
initiate a new chapter
Simultaneously, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian mentioned that both sides agreed to “initiate a new chapter” in their relations.
The invitation for the meeting was extended by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Among the topics discussed was the potential for a prisoner exchange.
While the meeting in Riyadh is a positive stride, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it marks just an initial step. The process of building trust and surmounting the profound differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran will require time and dedication. Nonetheless, this meeting offers a promising starting point, and it is anticipated to pave the way for further advancements in the future.
