Iran, S Arabia can improve ties between Muslims

Chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has underlined the need for the expansion of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia as key to improvement of ties among other Muslim nations, AVA Diplomatic reports.At a Monday meeting with new Saudi Ambassador to Iran Abdulrahman bin Gharman al-Shihri in Tehran, Rafsanjani stressed the need for promotion of Tehran-Riyadh ties in light of the two nations’ status in the Muslim world.

“Enhancement of ties at different levels will serve the interests of the two countries and prompt other Islamic states to move towards improving ties as well,” Rafsanjani pointed out.

The veteran Iranian politician alluded to Iran and Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical situation in the Middle East and noted, “If the two countries are coordinated on the issues related to the region and the Islamic world, those who incite sedition among Muslims will have no opportunity to sow discord among the followers of Islamic faiths.”

The Saudi ambassador, for his part, elaborated on the current situation in the region and hailed “the positive impact” of the diplomatic approach of President Hassan Rouhani’s administration in the Muslim world and Saudi Arabia.

Shihri further said Iranian and Saudi officials exchanging visits can play a positive role in enhancing Tehran-Riyadh relations.

Rouhani has repeatedly underlined Tehran’s determination to improve ties with neighboring Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, saying cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be vital for regional security.