Saudi Minister Delivers King’s Message to Ayatollah Khamenei Amid Warming Ties
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman delivered a message from King Salman to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday, in the latest sign of deepening diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, delivered a message from the King of Saudi Arabia to Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during a meeting in Tehran on April 17.
During the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed optimism about the trajectory of Iran-Saudi relations.
“We believe that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries, and that the two nations can complement each other,” the Leader said.
Imam Khamenei pointed out that the expansion of relations between the two countries encounters opposition from enemies.
“We must overcome these hostile motives, and we are prepared in this regard,” he affirmed.
He also referred to some of Iran's advancements, stating that the Islamic Republic is ready to assist Saudi Arabia in these fields.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized, "It is far better for brothers in the region to cooperate with and assist each another than to depend on others."
During the meeting, which was also attended by Major General Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman expressed his strong satisfaction.
"I have come to Tehran with the agenda of expanding relations with Iran and to collaborate across all sectors. We hope that the constructive discussions we’ve had will lead to even stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran than ever before," he remarked.
“We hope that the constructive discussions we’ve had will lead to even stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran than ever before,” he added.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud arrived in Tehran on Thursday for talks with senior Iranian officials.
He was officially welcomed by Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
The two sides aimed to boost defense cooperation, enhance regional peace and stability, and coordinate efforts in combating terrorism.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have steadily improved following a China-brokered agreement in March 2023 to restore diplomatic ties after seven years of tension.
The deal, signed on March 10, 2023, led to the reopening of embassies and diplomatic missions.
In November 2024, Saudi Arabia’s military chief, Lieutenant General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, also visited Tehran to advance defense diplomacy and bilateral collaboration.
