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Iran ready to talk with Saudi Arabia over diverse issues: official

Xinhua, January 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

Iran is ready to engage in a frank dialogue with Saudi Arabia over diverse issues, a high-ranking Iranian security official said here on Tuesday.

The policy of the Islamic republic is to launch "open, transparent and inclusive talks" with Saudi Arabia, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani was quoted as saying by Press TV.

Talks between the two regional powers could include all issues of mutual interest, Shamkhani said, adding that the current turbulent situation in the Muslim world necessitates a more "pragmatic contribution" by governments like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Such a cooperation must lead to an in-depth, serious and honest confrontation with extremism and "terrorism" like that of the so-called Islamic State (IS), he added.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are divided over a number of regional issues including the situations in Syria, Bahrain, Iraq and Yemen. Endit