Iran on Monday said its relations with neighboring Arab states is on the rise in the light of the recent proceedings and developments. During a press conference, the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani said that the exchange of delegations in the region has resulted in a very positive outcome especially for bilateral relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. He said Iran's foreign policy seeks to achieve "common goals and remove misunderstandings" assuring that Tehran will continue in this path to guarantee the bilateral interests of the region. In general, cooperation with regional nations in accordance with the recent conditions will direct to better relations through joint endeavors and dialogues. In response to a question on the diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, Kanaani said, "We have made good progress in equipping and maintain diplomatic missions", with official agenda set thanks to the recent agreements which include the restructuring of locations in Riyadh and Jeddah. He also mentioned that there are no more travel restrictions between both nations, especially for businessmen, and the possibility of issuing entry visas are much more attainable. He was also enthusiastic towards reopening embassies and consulates officially in both capitals, thanks to the contemporary agreements in Beijing to re-establish diplomatic relations. The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry had earlier that Tehran wants to improve relations with Egypt, days after it was announced that Iran and Saudi Arabia had re-established diplomatic relations as part of a Chinese-brokered deal. "Egypt is an important country in the region and what the region needs is synergy between Iran and Egypt," Kanaani said, adding, "and we believe in taking new steps to improve our relations." He had said that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi had a "quick and positive" meeting during the Baghdad II Summit hosted in Jordan late last year. Although there has been no immediate comment from Cairo regarding Kanaani's statement, news of the restoration of relations between Riyadh and Tehran was welcomed. — Agencies
