Rouhani congratulates King Abdullah on Saudi National Day

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has congratulated Saudi King Abdullah on Saudi Arabia’s National Day.

In a Monday message, Rouhani expressed hope that Tehran and Riyadh would further promote their “brotherly cooperation” through unity and on the basis of cultural and religious commonalities of the two nations, IRNA reported.

He also wished health and success for the country’s king and glory for the Saudi nation.

On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed hope that a recent meeting with his Saudi counterpart in New York will open a new chapter in efforts made to strengthen international peace.

The top Iranian diplomat made the comments following a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Iranian President Hassan 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.

The two Middle Eastern powers remain divided on a number of regional issues such as the situation in Syria and Bahrain.