TEHRAN The chief editor of the Saudi daily ****Al-Hayat****, Davoud al-Sharayan, commenting on the future of Tehran-Riyadh relations in an interview with the Overseas Service of the IRIB, said that Saudi Arabia is determined to take serious steps to establish strong ties with Iran. "Since the two sides are sincere and have signed a bilateral security pact, this will certainly have positive repercussions in the region because the security of the Persian Gulf region depends on strong ties and mutual cooperation between Riyadh and Tehran," he added.

Al-Sharayan stated that Saudi Arabia is the axis of the southern part of the region and Tehran is the axis of its northern part, and if the two are united, the Persian Gulf will enjoy great security and calm. This could bring an end to foreign interference in the region and regional differences, he stressed.

Saudi King Fahd opposes any interference in other countries' internal affairs and in turn does not let other countries interfere in his country's domestic affairs. The Saudi government has always worked for regional security and holds the view that security can pave the way for development.

Concerning the importance of the visit of Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef ibn Abd al-Aziz to Tehran, Al-Sharayan said that the signing of agreements to promote economic, cultural and industrial cooperation would certainly boost bilateral relations.

The Tehran-Riyadh security pact will also help to further promote Tehran-Riyadh bilateral cooperation in different fields.