Iran’s Zarif, Saud al-Faisal hold talks in New York

The top Iranian diplomat made the comments following a Sunday meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Zarif described his talks with Faisal as a “new page” in bilateral Tehran-Riyadh relations, expressing hope that the meeting would have a positive impact on efforts to restore peace to the region and the world, and protect the interests of all Muslim nations.

The Saudi foreign minister also said Iran and Saudi Arabia are two influential countries in the region, stressing that Tehran-Riyadh cooperation could help bolster peace and security in the region and the entire world.

Faisal also pointed to the sensitive situation in the Middle East and said mistakes of the past must be avoided, so that it would be possible to successfully end the crises plaguing the region.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has repeatedly underlined Tehran’s determination to improve ties with neighboring Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, saying cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be vital for regional security.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are divided on a number of regional issues such as the situation in Syria and Bahrain.