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Iran, Saudi Arabia in talks to tackle regional issues: spokesman

Xinhua, December 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Islamic republic and Saudi Arabia have started diplomatic efforts for direct talks on the regional issues, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaber Ansari said here on Monday.

Iran is ready to reformulate its relations with neighbors and the Islamic states to find ways for the problems in the region, the process which will both benefit Iran and the regional countries, Jaber Ansari said in his weekly press conference.

"We hope that the determination of the Saudi Arabian officials will help move in this direction," he said.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said earlier that Iran was ready for talks with Saudi Arabia for the good of the region and to solve problems inflicted on the regional countries.

However, Saudi Arabia has long accused Iran of arming and financing Houthi Shiite fighters in Yemen, an accusation strongly rejected by Tehran.

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

As for Syria situation, Iranian spokesman reiterated on Monday that "terrorist groups in Syria cannot participate in the political talks on Syria."

Those groups which are pursuing peaceful and political courses can enter dialogue with the Syrian government for the future of the Arab state, Jaber Ansari said.

Iran has emerged as a staunch regional ally of Syria in the country's long-lasting conflict. Endit