Riyadh, November 20, 2024 – The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee, established to follow up on the Beijing Agreement, was held in Riyadh on November 19, 2024. The session, which was chaired by His Excellency Waleed A. Elkhereiji, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brought together delegations from Saudi Arabia, China, and Iran. The Chinese delegation was led by H.E. Deng Li, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, while the Iranian delegation was headed by H.E. Majid Takht Ravanchi, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During the meeting, all parties reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to fully implementing the Beijing Agreement in its entirety, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their dedication to consolidating neighborly relations through adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law. This includes the mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, and the security of each state, which forms the cornerstone of the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the two nations.
In this context, the People’s Republic of China expressed its continued support for the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, underscoring its readiness to facilitate and encourage the further development of relations between the two countries across multiple domains. China’s involvement in the process has been pivotal, with its support and follow-up efforts playing a crucial role in the ongoing implementation of the Beijing Agreement.
The three countries also highlighted the positive momentum in Saudi-Iranian relations, which have made significant strides in recent months. They noted the growing opportunities for direct communication between the two countries at all levels, underscoring the significance of high-level meetings, mutual visits, and dialogue, especially amid the heightened tensions and instability affecting the region. These developments are seen as vital for regional peace and security, providing a foundation for de-escalation in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
A major milestone in the progress of Saudi-Iranian relations was the successful facilitation of consular services, allowing more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj and over 52,000 Iranians to complete Umrah with ease and security during the first ten months of 2024. This achievement was seen as a testament to the improving diplomatic and logistical cooperation between the two nations. Furthermore, the three countries lauded the successful establishment of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee, marking a significant step towards fostering closer ties in the media and communications sector. Additionally, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of Political and International Studies of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also welcomed, signaling a deepening of academic and diplomatic exchanges.
The three nations also expressed a shared interest in expanding their cooperation across economic, political, and social fields. Saudi Arabia and Iran indicated their readiness to move forward with the signing of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which would further facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
Turning to regional issues, the three countries issued a joint call for the immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Palestine and Lebanon. They strongly condemned Israel’s attacks and violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The participants stressed the urgency of ensuring the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon, warning that the ongoing cycle of violence and escalation presents a severe threat not only to regional security but also to global peace and maritime stability.
In relation to Yemen, the three nations reaffirmed their unwavering support for a comprehensive, political solution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, emphasizing the importance of adhering to internationally recognized principles and the role of the United Nations in facilitating dialogue and peacebuilding efforts.
The Riyadh meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee served as a clear signal of the strong political will of the three countries to continue working together in pursuit of stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. Through continued collaboration, they seek to address the challenges facing their respective countries and contribute to the broader goal of a more peaceful and secure Middle East. The three nations remain committed to deepening their strategic partnerships and fostering a future defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared goals for regional and global development.
