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DIPLOMACY

Lebanon welcomes the normalization of Iranian-Saudi relations, its 'positive impact'


Lebanon welcomes the normalization of Iranian-Saudi relations, its 'positive impact'

Caretaker Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in Baabda. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra / File photo)

Caretaker Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib on Friday welcomed the announcement of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia— a move he said would "have a positive impact" in the region.

Iran and Saudi Arabia, Middle East heavyweights that severed ties in 2016, announced on Friday that they would restore diplomatic relations within two months, following talks in China.

"Minister Bou Habib welcomes the tripartite Sino-Saudi-Iranian communiqué. This agreement by Riyadh and Tehran on resuming their diplomatic relations and reopening their respective embassies within two months will have a positive impact on all regional relations in the coming period," said a statement from the foreign minister's office.

The statement expressed the hope that the normalized relations "will contribute to strengthen security and stability in the region."

Minister Bou Habib said he hoped the agreement will be used to "launch an Arab-Saudi dialogue on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs,"— a remark that could be addressed to both countries regarding their influence on Lebanese politics.

"Following talks, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen [diplomatic] embassies and representations within a maximum of two months," Iran's Irna news agency reported, citing a joint statement issued by the two countries' official media.

Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran severed ties more than seven years ago after protesters in the Islamic Republic attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

Other Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, subsequently reduced their diplomatic ties with Tehran in support of Riyadh.

Caretaker Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib on Friday welcomed the announcement of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia— a move he said would "have a positive impact" in the region.Iran and Saudi Arabia, Middle East heavyweights that severed ties in 2016, announced on Friday that they would restore diplomatic relations within two months, following...