World leaders welcome Saudi-Iran deal to resume ties

 

World leaders have welcomed the deal between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were severed in 2016.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), welcomed the agreement to resume diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Catherine Colonna, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, also supported the initiative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Amman also expressed hope that the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia would improve the security and stability in the region.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also supported the agreement. The Kingdom of Bahrain also said that the agreement would help to resolve differences and end all regional conflicts.

US White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, said, “We support any effort to de-escalate tensions in the region.”

On Friday, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish relations. The deal was brokered by the People’s Republic of China. The two countries also agreed to re-open embassies in the coming months.

Reportedly, a statement issued by Iran, Saudi Arabia and China read, "The agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs.” The statement was signed by Iranian official Ali Shamkhani and Saudi Arabian national security adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Wang Yi, a Chinese senior diplomat and politician, lauded the deal. He described the deal as a victory for dialogue and peace in the region. In the statement, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to strengthen international and regional peace and security.

In 2016, Saudi Arabia reportedly cut ties with Iran after demonstrators stormed its embassy in Tehran, the capital of Iran, after Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.