Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon hopeful to see 'breakthrough' with Saudi Arabia

The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Ghazanfar Roknabadi, said on Thursday that his country hopes to build better relations with its Middle Eastern neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia.

“We repeat that Iran hopes to have the best relations with all countries in this region, at the forefront of which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on this, we feel that there are breakthroughs [in ties] between Iran and Saudi Arabia that will leave positive effects on all issues, particularly those related to the Middle East,” Roknabadi told journalists after his meeting with the Lebanese president, Emile Lahoud.

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have historically been tense. Saudi Arabia sees itself as the leader of the Arabs and Sunnis in the region and according to observers of Saudi affairs, has doubts about the intentions of Iran, which has a Shiite Persian majority.

Differences have recently deepened between the two states, due to their opposing positions on regional issues and developments. In 2011, Saudi Arabia sent troops to Bahrain to crackdown on the Shiite dominated democratic uprising and offset what it claimed was Iranian intervention in the affairs of Bahrain, which angered Iran at the time. Also in Syria, Iran supports the regime of Bashar Al-Assad while Saudi Arabia backs the anti-Assad fighters.

Regarding Lebanese affairs, Roknabadi stressed that Tehran stands by Lebanon and its people, supporting “all efforts being made in order to preserve stability and unity in Lebanon”.

“We see that the country is going through this difficult stage in a positive way despite all the dangers threatening this region.”

He expressed his hope that after the formation of a new cabinet in February, the Lebanese people would be able to hold the presidential election as previously agreed.

The term of the incumbent Lebanese president ends on May 25.

Source: Beirut / Hamza Tekin / Anadolu Agency