The Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers met on Thursday (April 6th) in Beijing to implement the normalization of relations between the two Middle Eastern powers after years of tensions.

Iran's Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Faisal bin Farhane "negotiated and exchanged opinions with a focus on the official resumption of bilateral relations and the steps to be taken towards the reopening of the embassies and consulates of the two countries," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

The two ministers "also discussed bilateral issues," he added.

Saudi Arabia and Iran surprised the world by announcing on March 10 that they wanted to restore diplomatic relations within two months, following secret talks in China.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday hailed "the first official meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in more than seven years," a breakthrough achieved "under China's active mediation."

This rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia should allow them to reopen their embassies by mid-May, and to implement economic and security cooperation agreements signed more than 20 years ago.

It is expected to be formally celebrated during a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Arabia's King Salman, a trip planned after Ramadan at the end of April.

Chinese mediation

This climate of détente could have repercussions on several regional conflicts, notably in Syria and Yemen, where the two countries support opposing camps.

The deal's conclusion in Beijing in March marks China's growing engagement in the Middle East, while the country has hitherto been perceived as reluctant to get involved in the region's thorny issues.

Iran and Saudi Arabia thanked China in March "for hosting and supporting the talks" between them.

They also highlighted the mediation role played by Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman from spring 2021.

The United States, for its part, had "welcomed" the announcement of March 10, while stressing that it remained "to be seen if Iran would fulfill its obligations".

"Since China is a strong supporter of Iran, Saudi Arabia should be reassured that Iran will abide by the deal," said Joel Rubin, a former US deputy assistant secretary of state.

Thursday's meeting "suggests that the process has not gone off the rails since Beijing's announcement last month," said Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group.

"But it is still too early to know whether this is a tactical détente or a step towards strategic rapprochement."

Regional upheaval

For some experts, this agreement could represent a paradigm shift that would challenge the traditional domination in the Middle East of Washington, Iran's archenemy.

An ally of the United States and another adversary of Iran, Israel is watching with concern this rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran, which could affect the Abraham Accords, the process of normalization it has launched with some Arab countries.

In parallel with negotiations with Riyadh, Tehran is seeking to renew ties with other capitals which, to support Saudi Arabia, had reduced their diplomatic ties since 2016.

In recent months, the Emirates and Kuwait have resumed diplomatic relations with Iran. The process is under way with Bahrain, and Egypt could follow.

On Tuesday, Tehran appointed an ambassador to Abu Dhabi after nearly eight years of absence, while the Emirates had announced in August the sending of an ambassador to Tehran with the stated desire to "strengthen relations" with Iran.

With AFP

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