Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Minister of State and national security adviser of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban pose for pictures during a meeting in Beijing, China March 10, 2023. China Daily via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. CHINA OUT.
In a surprising move facilitated by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, with both nations set to reopen embassies and missions within two months. Pakistan has welcomed the move, hailing it as a “diplomatic breakthrough” that will contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond. The Pakistani government also commended China’s role in coordinating the historic agreement, calling its leadership “visionary” for facilitating the major feat, which reflects the power of constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue.
This development is significant because Riyadh had previously cut ties with Tehran after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in 2016. Friday’s announcement comes after five days of unannounced talks in Beijing and several rounds of dialogue in Iraq and Oman. The detente between the two Muslim nations has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterized by turbulence for decades.
