Tehran: In a meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of enhancing cohesion within the Islamic world and called for expanded bilateral cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia to address regional challenges.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, President Pezeshkian highlighted the deep religious, cultural, and historical ties among Muslim nations, underscoring the necessity of Islamic unity. He described cohesion among Islamic countries as essential for achieving peace, security, and sustainable economic development in the region, asserting that disputes and poverty are detrimental to the Islamic Ummah.

President Pezeshkian expressed Iran's readiness to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia across all sectors. He welcomed the establishment of joint working groups focused on political, economic, and security matters, suggesting that Iran and Saudi Arabia could leverage their shared capacities to solve regional issues independently of foreign intervention.

Furthermore, President Pezeshkian expressed hope that the friendship between Iran and Saudi Arabia would reinforce the interests of the Islamic world and prevent adversaries from sowing discord among Muslim nations. He also expressed willingness to host Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Tehran.

Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, President Pezeshkian argued that genuine unity among Islamic states could prevent humanitarian crises caused by external forces. The Saudi minister conveyed greetings from the Saudi King and Crown Prince, describing his discussions with Iranian officials as positive and constructive.