KABUL (Pajhwok): Ending a seven-year rift, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations as a result of mediation by China.
The two sides made the announcement at the end of four days of productive negotiations brokered by China, the BBC reported on Saturday.
In the wake of an attack on its embassy in Tehran, the oil-rich kingdom severed diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in January 2016.
On Friday, the Middle East rivals promised reopening embassies within two months. They also vowed a return to trade and security relations.
Commending China for brokering the deal, UN chief Antonio Guterres voiced his willingness to help efforts for peace in the Gulf region.
Following the announcement, the US said it supported any effort to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
However, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: “It really does remain to be seen if Iran is going to meet its obligations.”
PAN Monitor/mud
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