Thanks to China, Iran reopens embassy in Riyadh

Islamabad: Thanks to a reconciliation agreement brokered by China, Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

The development came after Tehran and Riyadh agreed to restore their diplomatic ties after the hiatus of seven years as part of a deal brokered by China. Pakistan also played its part to bring the two countries closer. Pakistan also supported China’s lead role in this regard. An opening ceremony was held, attended by top Iranian and Saudi officials.

A day earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that the country will officially open its embassy in Riyadh, the Iranian Consulate General in Jeddah, and the country’s Permanent Mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday and Wednesday.

As part of a Chinese-brokered deal signed in March this year, both countries had decided to open their respective embassies within two months.

Last month, Tehran has named Alireza Enayati as its ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Enayati has previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait.