WANA (Nov 12) – Iran’s First Vice President, who traveled to Riyadh to participate in an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League focused on unifying the condemnation of Israel’s aggressions, held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions centered on efforts to deepen the friendly relations between the two countries, ways to halt the aggressions of the Israeli regime, and humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine and Lebanon.

 

At the beginning of the meeting, Mohammad Reza Aref expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its warm hospitality during the Riyadh summit. He remarked, “In recent months, a new path has opened for developing and expanding relations between our countries, which is irreversible.”

The second emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League began in Riyadh

The second emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League began in Riyadh

Aref emphasized that the benefits of deepening these relations would extend beyond Iran and Saudi Arabia, positively impacting the region and the broader Islamic world. Given the influence both nations hold, he stated, this effort would foster regional cooperation and solidarity among Islamic nations.

 

During the cordial meeting, Aref conveyed greetings from Iran’s President and extended an invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Iran. He added, “The current trajectory of political relations between our nations is on the right path, and we hope that this positive political relationship will also extend to economic, cultural, scientific, and technological areas.”

 

 

Aref expressed confidence that this high-level meeting would significantly enhance bilateral relations. As influential members of the OIC, he stressed, Iran and Saudi Arabia play crucial roles in addressing the challenges facing Islamic nations, particularly concerning Palestine and Lebanon. He further urged regional countries to take a united and decisive stance to prevent the continuation of genocide in Gaza and curb Israel’s aggressions in the region.

 

The First Vice President continued, emphasizing that Iran-Saudi relations are vital for regional stability and security. He expressed satisfaction that, following the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the efforts of Saudi leaders, bilateral ties have not only resumed but are rapidly expanding.

 

Acknowledging potential opposition from adversaries like Israel and its supporters, Aref reiterated the importance of these ties for the people of both countries, the region, and the Islamic world.

 

 

He expressed hope for strengthened economic cooperation, highlighting Iran’s strategic geographic position as a prime corridor for the transit of goods from the Persian Gulf to northern Iran. As agreed during the foreign ministers’ meeting in New York, it is now time to prioritize expanding “economic cooperation.”

 

Aref concluded that enhancing bilateral relations would bring countries closer and ultimately contribute to achieving regional peace and stability. He also hoped that any obstacles to economic and trade collaborations would be resolved through mutual efforts.

 

He thanked Mohammed bin Salman for his stance during the Riyadh summit condemning Israeli attacks, noting the severe human costs inflicted on the region by Israeli aggressions. Aref remarked that, despite the brutality of the occupying regime, the positions of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah have remained resilient.

 

Aref reiterated that if the Islamic world had acted as a united front, Israel would never have dared to commit such atrocities. He emphasized that while Iran does not favor war in the region and has never initiated one, it remains determined to defend its territorial integrity. He added that if there are any differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, dialogue is the most logical way to resolve them, and the path they have started together, based on Islamic nations’ interests, will continue with strength.

 

 

Aref concluded by highlighting that Israel’s goal is to embroil the entire region in a destructive conflict. However, closer cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia could thwart these plans and contribute significantly to regional stability and peace.

 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision for Iran-Saudi Relations by 2025

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed appreciation for Iran’s First Vice President’s remarks and thanked the Iranian Foreign Minister for his efforts in negotiations with Saudi Arabia. He noted that the progress made in deepening relations with Iran is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s aspirations.

 

The Crown Prince emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and cultural domains, and assured that the regional events of the past year have not and will not hinder the development of these ties. He expressed confidence that by the end of 2025, relations between the two regional powers will reach their highest level.

 

 

Reflecting on historical experiences, Mohammed bin Salman underscored using these lessons to build stronger, longer-lasting relations between the two countries. He echoed Iran’s commitment to expanding economic collaboration, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to pursuing this objective with sincerity.

 

As host of the emergency summit of the OIC and the Arab League, the Crown Prince reiterated his condemnation of Israeli aggressions, noting that Israel disregards international norms. He emphasized the need for wise and correct decisions to ensure peace and stability in the region.

 

Concluding the meeting, Mohammed bin Salman appreciated Iran’s strategic approach to regional developments and assured that Saudi Arabia would never allow its land or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran.