Saudi ambassador to Iran presents credentials to President Raisi in Tehran

Abdullah Al Anazi began his diplomatic duties in Iran in September

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed regional developments with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. Photo: IRNA News Agency

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Iran, Abdullah Al Anazi, has presented his credentials to President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

Mr Al Anazi arrived in Tehran in September to begin his duties, hours after his Iranian counterpart Alireza Enayati landed in Riyadh to take up his role as envoy to the kingdom.

The Saudi ambassador said that the kingdom's leadership has stressed the importance of strengthening relations and solidifying communication between both countries.

“The directives of the wise leadership – may God support them – confirm the importance of strengthening relations and intensifying communication and meetings between the kingdom and Iran, and moving them towards broader horizons,” Mr Al Anazi said.

Previously, Mr Al Anazi served as the Saudi ambassador to Oman from 2021 to 2023.

In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies following years of tension.

Iraq, Jordan and Oman played key roles in initial talks between the two countries, while China also strongly encouraged rapprochement.

Earlier this month, Mr Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the first telephone call between the two leaders since the countries resumed ties.

In April, Mr Raisi accepted an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, First Vice President Mohammed Mokhber said.

“Saudi Arabia's King Salman has invited the President, and there has been a positive response to this invitation, and hopefully good things will happen,” he added.