Tehran – In a landmark meeting that underscores the thawing relations between two regional powers, General Chief of Staff Fayyad al-Ruwaili of the Saudi armed forces visited Tehran to hold discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Baqeri. The talks, which took place on Sunday, focused on enhancing military cooperation and addressed the pressing issue of Palestine, marking a significant step in defense ties following their diplomatic rapprochement last year. According to reports from Xinhua news agency and Iran’s Fars, the meeting centered on exploring avenues to strengthen defense collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Baqeri extended an invitation for Saudi naval forces to participate in an Iranian maritime exercise scheduled for next year, highlighting the potential for joint military engagements.
“The exchange of such visits between our armed forces carries special importance for the region and the Muslim world in the current circumstances,” Baqeri stated. Al-Ruwaili arrived in Tehran leading a high-level military delegation and expressed his commitment to enhancing bilateral military cooperation across various domains. Both military leaders underscored the influential role their nations play in fostering unity among Muslim states amidst ongoing regional tensions. The discussion also touched upon the long-standing Palestine issue, reflecting the broader geopolitical concerns that both countries face.
This high-level military engagement follows a significant diplomatic restoration between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitated by Beijing in April 2023, which ended a seven-year diplomatic freeze. The ties were severed in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in response to the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric. As the two nations navigate their renewed relationship, this visit may pave the way for greater collaboration in defense and security, reshaping the dynamics within the region.