TEHRAN – In a major advancement for bilateral relations, senior military leaders from Iran and Saudi Arabia met in Tehran to discuss opportunities for strengthened collaboration.

Leading a distinguished military delegation, Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamed al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, arrived in Iran on Sunday. 

During the discussions with Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the two generals addressed a variety of topics focused on expanding defense diplomacy and fostering stronger ties between the two countries. 

Major General Bagheri extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia for participation in a naval exercise, stating, "We welcome the participation of the Saudi Arabian Navy in next year’s Iranian naval exercise, whether by sending naval units or joining as observers."

General Fayyadh bin Hamed al-Ruwaili responded, "The Beijing agreement offers a strong basis for strengthening bilateral cooperation, and we see it as a strategic opportunity for both nations." 

This meeting comes in the wake of the landmark agreement reached in March 2023, when Iran and Saudi Arabia, under a Chinese-brokered initiative, decided to restore diplomatic ties. A key element of this agreement includes the implementation of a security cooperation pact, signaling a new era of collaboration between the two influential nations. 

In a previous discussion last year, Bagheri spoke by phone with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud, to examine regional dynamics and strengthen defense collaboration between the two nations. 

The Iranian Major General and the Saudi Arabian DM engaged in discussions on crucial issues facing the Muslim world, emphasizing the importance of unity. 

They extended invitations to each other to visit their respective countries, reflecting a commitment to fostering closer relations.