TEHRAN – Ali Baqeri Kani, the interim Foreign Minister of Iran, met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on the second day of his visit to Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' conference and focused on bilateral, regional, and international issues, as well as ways to enhance cooperation. 

Both ministers discussed the progress of relations between their countries under the tenure of the late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, describing it as positive and forward-moving. 

Baqeri Kani emphasized Iran and Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening their comprehensive relations, which is crucial for regional stability and security.

Baqeri Kani also highlighted the atrocities committed by Zionists against Palestinians, including a recent horrific crime in Rafah, stressing the need for coordinated action among Islamic countries to show their vigilance and sensitivity. He called for a serious and effective response from Islamic nations to every Israeli aggression and crime.

Additionally, Baqeri Kani thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting Iranian Hajj pilgrims and called for enhanced facilities for them during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Faisal bin Farhan highlighted the significant role played by President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian in transforming bilateral relations. He stated that the resumption of Iran and Saudi Arabia relations had led to strong cooperation and interaction between the two countries and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's determination to continue dialogue and cooperation with Iran. 

The Saudi Foreign Minister also expressed satisfaction with the presence of Iranian pilgrims at this year's Hajj and wished them a peaceful and healthy pilgrimage, assuring that Saudi Arabia would utilize all its resources to ensure the event's success.

Iran, Thailand explore ways to enhance cooperation

On the same day, Baqeri Kani also met with Maris Sangiampongsa, the Thai Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting. 

The two officials discussed bilateral and international issues and explored ways to enhance cooperation in various areas encompassing politics, economics, trade, and regional and international affairs.

Back in January, the Ambassador of Thailand in Tehran Pichit Boonsud said his country is eager to increase the level of trade relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Venezuela reaffirms commitment to enhancing ties with Iran

Baqeri Kani also met with Yván Gil Pinto, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, during the BRICS summit. They reviewed bilateral and international matters and discussed ways to boost cooperation. Venezuela, a friendly country to BRICS, is keen to increase collaboration with member states. 

Iran's relations with Venezuela have significantly developed under the current administration.

Kazakhstan keen to continue its path of developing bilateral relations with Iran

In another meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Baqeri Kani spoke with Murat Nurtleu, the Kazakh Foreign Minister. 

They exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. Baqeri Kani stressed the importance President Raisi places on foreign policy and engagement with different countries to ensure stability and lasting peace. He emphasized that regional solidarity is crucial for security and stability.

Nurtleu extended condolences on behalf of the Kazakh government and people for the martyrdom of the Iranian President and Foreign Minister. He fondly recalled their visit to Kazakhstan and underscored the need to continue their path of developing bilateral relations.

Sri Lanka supports Iran’s fight for Palestinian cause

Baqeri Kani also met with Ali Sabry, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, who offered condolences for the martyrs of the recent helicopter crash. 

Baqeri Kani highlighted President Raisi's historic visit to Sri Lanka and the importance of protecting the legacy of the late President and Foreign Minister by further developing bilateral relations.

Sabry expressed Sri Lanka's readiness to strengthen cooperation with Iran, particularly in regional and international arenas, and stressed the importance of supporting Palestinian rights as a humanitarian necessity. He affirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to fostering political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Baqeri Kani also emphasized the ongoing crimes of Zionists in Gaza and the misuse of international mechanisms like the UN Security Council by the United States to support the Zionist regime. He noted the increasing interest in joining multilateral groups like BRICS as a response to unilateralism. Sabry agreed, highlighting the successful visits of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian to Sri Lanka and the need to continue robust cooperation across various fields.

The engagement between Iran and other countries comes amid Iran's official membership in the BRICS, solidifying its position within the group alongside recent entrants like Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Baqeri Kani participated in an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation in Istanbul, focusing on Israel's aggression against Gaza. 

During the summit, Iran proposed severing political and economic ties with Israel, boycotting Israeli products, and offering political and legal support to Palestine in various international forums.