Iran to Open Interests Section in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah

The Iranian foreign ministry and Switzerland’s Ambassador to Tehran have signed a document on establishment of Iran’s Interests Section in Saudi Arabia.

Based on the document signed on Wednesday, Switzerland will represent the Islamic Republic’s interests in Saudi Arabia.

Once certain executive arrangements are made, Iran’s Interests Section with Iranian diplomats will be opened in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah in the near future.

Saudi Arabia broke off its ties with Iran in January 2016 in protest at demonstrations in front of its diplomatic premises in Tehran and Mashhad against its execution of leading Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Ties began to deteriorate following a human crush in Mina, near the Saudi holy city of Mecca, in September 2015, which killed thousands of pilgrims, including hundreds of Iranians. The incident cast doubt on the kingdom’s efficiency in hosting the rituals.

Tensions between the two countries eased considerably recently during preparations for the pilgrimage this year when Iranian Hajj officials and diplomats met with Saudi officials to discuss arrangements for Iranian pilgrims.

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