Tehran: Talks with Riyadh continuing in ‘good atmosphere’

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Tehran is continuing talks with Riyadh in a “good atmosphere”.

In an address to a weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh added, “We hope the talks can lead to a constructive outcome,” IRNA reported.

Khatibzadeh stressed it is not common to reveal details of negotiations in the media prior to reaching an agreement.

Asked whether Iran had any plans to send pilgrims to this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, he said, “We are holding consultations on the issue and should wait and see what would be the outcome.”

Ties between the two countries were cut in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom’s execution of a revered Shia cleric, according to AFP.

Media reports last month revealed that Iranian and Saudi officials met in Baghdad in April, their first high-level meeting since the severance of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Khatibzadeh confirmed the talks on May 10, saying their purpose was “both bilateral and regional,” but stressed it was “too soon” to disclose any details.

“De-escalation and [establishing] ties between two great Islamic countries in the Persian Gulf region are to the benefit of both nations,” he said at the time.

Iran in late April welcomed a “change of tone” from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman toward it after he called for a “good and special relationship” with Tehran.

Source: Iran Daily