Iran has stressed its readiness to expand military relations with Saudi Arabia whose defense minister arrived in Tehran Thursday to discuss security in the region.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri told Prince Khalid bin Salman in Tehran Thursday that “good relations between the two countries and their armed forces will bring despair and hopelessness to our enemies and joy to our friends”.

Bagheri thanked Saudi Arabia for its participation as an observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise, known as IMEX 2024.  

The exercise in the India Ocean was held by Iran, Russia, and Oman, with the participation of observer delegations from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Qatar, and Bangladesh.

Since the signing of the “Beijing Agreement” in March 2023 to restore diplomatic relations between the armed forces of Iran and Saudi Arabia have been growing and developing, Gen. Bagheri said.

“The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on developing relations with its neighbors; therefore, developing and strengthening relations between the armed forces of the two countries can be a good basis for the countries in the region,” he said.

Iran’s principled policy is also to guarantee security by the countries of the region, where Tehran and Riyadh can play a significant role in realizing this important and strategic goal, he added.

Gen. Bagheri touched on the “special and complex regional and international situation”, expressing the readiness of Iran’s armed forces to develop bilateral defense relations with Saudi Arabia in various areas of interest to both parties.

He cited the “destructive role of the Zionist regime” in disrupting the peace and tranquility of Islamic countries and its efforts to spread chaos in the region.

Gen Bagheri appreciated Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian issue and the ongoing Israeli atrocities in the Gaza Strip, saying all Islamic countries need unity, empathy, and a unified position to confront the crimes of the Zionist regime.  

Prince Khalid expressed his gratitude the Islamic Republic and its General Staff of the Armed Forces for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in Tehran, saying “your hospitality reflects the very good relations between us”.

He said the important relations between the two countries have a great impact on ensuring the security of the region, adding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia insists on strengthening and developing relations between the two countries.

“God willing, the outcome of these good relations and their improvement in various fields will have good results for the two countries and the region,” he added.

 Prince Khalid also invited Gen. Bagheri to visit Saudi Arabia.