Iran's new ambassador to Saudi Arabia is poised to embark on his mission to Riyadh, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two nations.

The Iranian envoy emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for regional collaboration in the absence of foreign interference.

The new ambassador, who is set to leave for Riyadh on Tuesday, revealed that he had met with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian to discuss strategies for bolstering ties with Saudi Arabia. The discussions centered on the principles of neighborliness, a key concern for Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi.

Speaking about the progress made in the past six months, the ambassador highlighted the establishment of embassies and consulates in both countries, the exchange of diplomatic personnel, the formal declaration of relations, and face-to-face meetings between the foreign ministries in Tehran and Riyadh. The next crucial step, the exchange of ambassadors, is on the horizon.

Ambassador Enayati expressed optimism about the future of Iran-Saudi relations, emphasizing that they have laid a solid foundation for collaboration. He also noted the recent emphasis on neighborliness by Iran's leadership, as highlighted in a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Enayati articulated a comprehensive vision for the future of bilateral ties, encompassing political, economic, security, commercial, investment, cultural, tourism, and regional cooperation.

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a significant development in the region.

The two countries have been rivals for decades, but there have been signs in recent years that they are interested in improving relations.

The exchange of ambassadors is a major step forward in this process, and it is hoped that it will lead to further cooperation between the two countries. (ILKHA)