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Germany calls on Saudi Arabia, Iran to resume dialogue

Xinhua, January 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

The German government called on Saudi Arabia and Iran on Monday to resume dialogue in light of the recent souring of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"We call on both countries to use all opportunities to improve their bilateral relations," said German government spokesman Steffen Seibert.

Seibert noted that the relationship between the two countries was of fundamental importance in resolving the crises in Syria and Yemen, as well as the stability of the entire region.

Seibert said the German government believed that "the door to diplomacy must remain open" in the current situation.

The relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have deteriorated dramatically in the past few days.

Angry Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi diplomatic mission in Tehran on Saturday to protest Saudi Arabia's execution of 47 individuals on terrorism charges.

Also on Saturday, Saudi Arabia announced it would sever diplomatic ties with Iran, and asked all Iranian diplomats to leave the kingdom within 48 hours. Endit