Arab News,
Wed, Nov 20, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 18, 1446
Saudi Arabia, China, Iran meet to advance Beijing Agreement
Saudi Arabia:
The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian
Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in
Riyadh on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin
Abdulkarim Elkhereiji chaired the meeting, with Vice Foreign Minister of China
Deng Li and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht
Ravanchi present.
The Saudi and Iranian representatives reaffirmed
their commitment to fully implementing the Beijing Agreement and strengthening
neighborly relations through adherence to the UN Charter, the Charter of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law, emphasizing respect
for sovereignty, independence, and security.
Saudi Arabia and Iran also welcomed China’s
ongoing positive role and emphasized the importance of its support in following
up on the Beijing Agreement’s implementation. China reiterated its readiness to
encourage further steps by both nations to enhance their relationship in various
fields.
The three countries praised the progress in
Saudi-Iranian relations, highlighting the significance of direct communication
at all levels and the opportunities for mutual cooperation amid regional
tensions that threatened global and regional security.
They noted the progress in consular services,
enabling over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj and more than 52,000 to
perform Umrah securely in 2024.
They also welcomed the first meeting of the
Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of a memorandum of
understanding between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies
and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies.
Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed their readiness to
sign a double taxation avoidance agreement and, along with China, looked forward
to expanding economic and political cooperation.
The three nations called for an immediate end to
Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon, and condemned violations of Iran’s
sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They stressed the need for uninterrupted
humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon and warned that continued violence
posed serious threats to regional and global security, including maritime
safety.
They also reaffirmed their support for a
comprehensive political solution in Yemen, in line with internationally
recognized principles under UN auspices.