BRUSSELS, Mar 11 EU welcomes normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran , hopes that this will lead to stabilization in the entire region of the Middle East, the European External Action Service said in a statement.
«The European Union welcomes the announced agreement on the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and looks forward to its implementation … Given that Saudi Arabia and Iran play a central role for regional security, the resumption of bilateral relations can contribute to the stabilization of the entire region,» the statement says. document.
On Friday, March 10, Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, signed an agreement on the resumption of diplomatic relations, it is planned to open embassies within two months. The joint statement was signed after several days of talks between the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and his Saudi counterpart in Beijing. It is noted that the foreign ministers of the two states intend to meet to discuss the implementation of the agreement.
Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh were cut off in 2016 after an attack on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran by outraged execution in the kingdom of prominent Shia theologian Nimr al-Nimr, but in recent months the two sides have expressed a desire resolve disagreements. In an interview with The Atlantic, released in September, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that relations with Iran should be built as with a neighboring country. However, in connection with the unrest in Iran, the country's authorities began to accuse Saudi Arabia of their involvement and support.