TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has held discussions with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, regarding the facilitation of commercial visas and the resumption of direct flights between the two nations.

The ministers met on Saturday on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in the Gambian capital, underscoring a mutual desire to explore avenues for strengthening economic collaboration.

Their discussions on easing visa procedures and re-establishing direct commercial flights signal a willingness on both sides to explore practical measures aimed at enhancing people-to-people exchanges and facilitating economic activities.

Last year, the two Persian Gulf states signed a Chinese-brokered deal to restore their diplomatic ties after a seven-year hiatus. Over the past couple of months, Tehran and Riyadh have exchanged signals to widen tourism cooperation, such as easing visa procedures and re-establishing routine direct flights.

The OIC summit, held on Saturday and Sunday, is mainly themed “Promoting Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Various issues and challenges in the Muslim world, especially the issue of Palestine and the status quo in the Gaza Strip were discussed during the meeting.

AM