Saudi Arabia: Visit by Defense Minister and representatives of 'Mecca Agreement' countries to Tehran to support de-escalation and diplomatic solutions

Riyadh -- The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that the visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and representatives of the member states of the Mecca Convention for Joint Defense to the Iranian capital, Tehran, is part of the convention countries’ ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions among the parties to the current crisis, encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and support mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The ministry said in a statement that the visit, aimed at meeting with senior Iranian officials, continues the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering regional and international dialogue and peace. It added that the Kingdom looks forward to a positive and constructive response from the crisis parties to the outcomes of this visit and to the ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan, which would contribute to resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. It stressed the importance of opening negotiation channels to prevent a return to military escalation in the region and to pave the way for an agreement that ends the crisis and ensures security and peace in the region and worldwide. The statement reaffirmed the Kingdom’s emphasis on the pivotal role of the Mecca Convention countries in consolidating regional security and stability, and their work with all countries to achieve peace in the region and globally. Earlier on Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced the start of a quadrilateral meeting between Iran and the Mecca Convention countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—to discuss enhancing security and stability in the region. Ismail Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said in a press briefing that “the meeting could serve as a precursor to further efforts toward achieving regional security.” (End) K.N.Sh.../ N.S.A.