RIYADH - Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s agreement to resume relations with Iran has come as a result of talks that lasted for two years.

Prince Faisal made the remarks during an interview with Al-Arabiya after the announcement of Saudi Arabia and Iran agreement to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries, in a deal brokered by China.

He stressed this also came from Saudi Arabia’s conviction that dialogue is the most successful way to address all matters.

Prince Faisal said that after the end of the dialogue with Iran, they have reached understandings based on good neighborliness, also the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

This is in addition to addressing all challenges of regional security.

He confirmed that Saudi Arabia is looking optimistically at the future, and working to consolidate the relationship with Iran, as well as serving the interests of all countries of the region, protecting the security of the region, as this is what the Kingdom aspires to.

In regard to Lebanon, Prince Faisal said that Lebanon needs to make a Lebanese rapprochement, not for a Lebanese-Iranian-Saudi one.

“Lebanon must look out for its interests, and they should give priority to their interest over any other interest” Prince Faisal said.

He added, “Lebanon will definitely prosper whenever a decision is taken to present the Lebanese interest, and work to build the state, and Saudi Arabia will be with them.”

He pointed out that the status quo regarding refugees and the humanitarian situation in Syria is unsustainable, and a way must be found to overcome its challenges.

It is necessary to find a new approach, and this would require a dialogue with the government in Damascus, stressing that Saudi Arabia and the Arab countries are working on the appropriate formulation in consultation with their partners in the international community.

Prince Faisal stressed that the recent developments with regard to Palestine and Israel are very disturbing, “I am afraid that we are entering a cycle of escalation that we will not be able to stop.”

He confirmed that the responsibility rests on the Israeli side to stop these successive measures in the Palestinian territories, noting that Israel must create a suitable atmosphere for a return to dialogue.

Saudi Arabia is determined to advance the path of dialogue to resolve this long-standing issue, and that the solution is undoubtedly through the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, Prince Faisal affirmed.

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