Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart have underlined the need to accelerate the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy and tourism.
During a telephone conversation on Thursday night, Amir-Abdollahian and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud exchanged viewpoints on multiple areas of common interest, highlighting that relations between the two countries are improving in all areas.
They emphasized the need to speed up joint cooperation in various fields, including economy, commerce, investment and tourism.
The two top diplomats went on to point to the meeting between Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran’s foreign minister on August 18 in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, stressing that necessary steps should be taken on the path towards enhancement of political ties between Tehran and Riyadh.
Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart also noted the significance of bilateral cultural and sports cooperation in order to improve the atmosphere of friendship between the two nations.
Resolving Sepahan, Al Ittihad dispute through ‘mutual respect’
The two foreign ministers agreed to advise their respective sports institutions to resolve the dispute over the recent cancellation of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 Group C match between Saudi professional football club Al Ittihad and Iran’s Sepahan through mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding.
They underscored the importance of continued football matches between the two countries in order to strengthen all-out cooperation.
Slated to be held on Monday in Isfahan’s Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium, the match was called off after the Saudi squad refused to take the field over unspecified reasons. The team left Iran hours later.
Sepahan Sport Club then issued a statement, saying they have prepared an official complaint, which will be filed with the AFC. They added that the pitch had been inspected time and again by the AFC, the Iranian Football Federation and other relevant authorities, and had received their approval.
In a statement, the AFC said the match was canceled due to “unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances.”
“The AFC reiterates its commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the players, match officials, spectators, and all stakeholders involved. This matter will now be referred to the relevant committees,” it added.
Invitation to Saudi Arabia
Elsewhere in the conversation, the Saudi foreign minister invited his Iranian counterpart to attend the first football match between Iranian and Saudi football clubs in Saudi Arabia.
In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed under a Chinese-brokered deal to revive diplomatic relations severed after seven years of tension.
Iran officially reopened its embassy in Riyadh in June, followed by its consulate in Jeddah and its representative office with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad have also resumed operations.
