Senior military officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia have engaged in talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in security and defense matters, signaling a thaw in relations between the two regional powers.
Brigadier General Bahman Behmard, representing the Iranian Armed Forces, and Saudi Chief of General Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili convened on the sidelines of the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh.
During the meeting, Behmard underscored Iran's defense capabilities and expressed readiness to foster ties with Saudi Arabia. He extended an invitation for Ruwaili to visit Tehran, delivering a message from Iran's defense minister to his Saudi counterpart.
In response, Ruwaili thanked the Iranian delegation for their participation in the exhibition and stressed the importance of expanding military and defense cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh.
The meeting, shared by Iran's Ambassador to Riyadh Alireza Enayati through a social media post, comes after both countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations in March, facilitated by a Chinese-brokered deal.
The agreement to re-establish ties, severed in 2016, emphasizes mutual respect for national sovereignty and a commitment to refrain from meddling in each other's internal affairs. Additionally, the nations pledged to implement previous security and economic cooperation agreements, highlighting areas such as commerce, investment, culture, and sports.
The discussions between Iranian and Saudi military officials reflect a broader shift towards reconciliation and potential collaboration in various sectors, marking a significant development in regional diplomacy.
