Saudi foreign minister arrives in historic visit to Tehran

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat arrived in the Iranian capital on Saturday, the latest step in the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two Mideast countries, Iranian state media reported.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan was officially welcomed by his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iran TV said.

Saudi media have also reported a planned meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during Prince Faisal's first visit to the Islamic republic as foreign minister. He also carried a message from the Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz to Raisi. The two are due to meet later on Saturday.

Prince Faisal is expected to officially inaugurate the kingdom’s embassy in Tehran later on Saturday. Until the mission is completed, the employees are working from a Tehran hotel, Iran TV said.

Both nations reopened their diplomatic missions in recent weeks. In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations after seven years of tension.

Associated Press