Beijing: Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish relations after seven years of hostility which had threatened stability and security in Gulf and helped fuel conflicts in Middle East from Yemen to Syria. Deal was announced after four days of previously undisclosed talks in Beijing between top security officials from two rival Middle East powers.

Tehran and Riyadh agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies within two months, according to statement issued by Iran, Saudi Arabia and China. “Agreement includes their affirmation of respect for sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs,” it said. In recent years Saudi Arabia has blamed Iran for missile and drone attacks on kingdom’s oil facilities in 2019 as well as attacks on tankers in Gulf waters. Iran denied charges. Friday’s agreement signed by Iran’s top security official Ali Shamkhani and Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban agreed to re-activate 2001 security cooperation accord as well as another earlier pact on trade, economy and investment. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi described deal as victory for dialogue and peace, adding that Beijing would continue to play constructive role in addressing tough global issues. White House national security spokesperson said United States was aware of reports of agreement and welcomed any efforts to help end war in Yemen and de-escalate tensions in Middle East.

Long-standing strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and United States have been strained under President Joe Biden’s administration over kingdom’s human rights record, Yemen war and more recently ties with Russia and OPEC+ oil production. A senior Iranian official said that addressing tensions with Saudi Arabia had become top priority for Tehran in recent months and would help resolve long-running talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. “It will encourage West to reach nuclear agreement with Iran,” official told Reuters. Cinzia Bianco, research fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations said Riyadh had been seeking security guarantees from Iranians, which may have been addressed by re-activation of 2001 security accord. Meanwhile, Pakistan welcomed normalisation of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in landmark development facilitated by China.

Development is seen as major breakthrough that will not only shape Middle East but beyond. Pakistan can be direct beneficiary of move as Saudi-Iran rivalry has put Islamabad in difficult situation.

It often had to tread carefully between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Tussle between two major powers of Muslim world also undermined Pakistan’s push to diversify its foreign policy options. Therefore, it was no surprise that Pakistan was one of first countries which welcomed ice-breaking between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Foreign Office (FO) said in statement hours after landmark development. “We commend role played by China’s visionary leadership in coordinating this historic agreement which reflects power of constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue.” We laud sagacious leadership of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Republic of Iran for this very positive development,” read statement.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 11 2023

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