TEHRAN – Early Friday, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a significant phone consultation between Iran's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan.

The discussion marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Baqeri Kani and bin Farhan delved into a range of critical topics, with their conversation centering on the current state of bilateral relations, recent regional developments, and other issues of mutual interest and importance.

This phone call followed a recent face-to-face meeting between Baqeri Kani and Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia. Al-Khuraiji had traveled to Tehran to participate in the 19th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) member countries. On Tuesday, during the sidelines of this conference, he met with Baqeri Kani for an in-depth discussion.

During their meeting, Baqeri Kani emphasized the serious determination and commitment of both nations to deepen and expand their relations across various fields. He expressed a strong belief that there should be no obstacles to this process, highlighting a mutual resolve to enhance cooperation and understanding between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

These diplomatic engagements reflect a growing willingness on both sides to address common challenges and work towards a more collaborative and stable regional environment. The discussions mark a positive step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and promote peace and stability in the region.

Iran, Azerbaijan seek to strengthen ties

Iran's acting Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of expanding relations between Iran and Azerbaijan as part of the late President Ebrahim Raisi’s policy of neighborliness. 

In a post on his X account on Thursday, Baqeri Kani described his recent meeting with Samir Sharifov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Azerbaijan Republic, as fruitful and constructive.

Baqeri Kani noted that his meeting with Sharifov included discussions on opening two joint projects, a final measure undertaken by the late President Raisi and his cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, to advance Iran's foreign policy.

Highlighting the numerous commonalities between Tehran and Baku, Baqeri Kani expressed optimism about the potential to deepen cooperation between the two nations.

President Raisi and his team, including Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, were tragically martyred in a helicopter crash on May 19 in northwest Iran. Their efforts to develop Iran's foreign policy continue to influence the country's diplomatic endeavors.