Iran and Saudi Arabia want to restore diplomatic relations

Representatives of Iran and Saudi Arabia have signed a joint statement following talks in Beijing and agreed to restore diplomatic relations between the countries. This was reported by Iranian news agency Tasnim.

The two sides reportedly agreed to restore diplomatic relations and open their embassies and diplomatic representations within two months. The foreign ministers are to agree on the details of implementing the agreement and exchanging ambassadors.

Talks between Iran's National Security Council Secretary Ali Shahmani and Saudi Arabia's National Security Adviser Musad Al-Aiban were held on March 6-10.

For reference, in January 2016, official Riyadh severed diplomatic relations with Iran after Iranian officials criticised the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimra in Saudi Arabia and the burning of the kingdom's embassy in Tehran.