Saudi Arabia and Iran’s foreign ministers met in Beijing on Thursday for the first time after the rivals agreed to restore diplomatic ties in a deal that underscored China’s growing influence in the Middle East.The foreign ministers said they would begin the process of reopening embassies in their respective countries, as well as pursue co-operation on security and economic issues, according to a joint statement reported by Iran’s IRNA state news agency.
The countries will also start procedures to resume flights and delegations and ease visa processes. The consulates in Iran’s north-eastern city of Mashhad and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah are also due to reopen.
“The two sides agreed to expand co-operation in every field that can help the security and stability of the region and meet the interests of its nations and countries,” the statement said.