TEHRAN: Representatives of countries that are members of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Saudi Arabia’s defence minister and the head of Turkish intelligence, met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss regional and bilateral matters, ARY News reported.
During the meeting, Pezeshkian said Iran was ready to resolve regional differences and increase cooperation with Islamic countries, stressing the need for unity to promote peace, security and development.
The Iranian president said Tehran would support agreements aimed at strengthening unity, security and development among Islamic countries and urged Muslim nations to set aside their differences and work together for common interests and regional peace.
Pezeshkian condemned Israeli attacks in Gaza, Lebanon and other areas, calling on Muslim countries to jointly confront attacks and insecurity across the region.
On Iran’s nuclear programme, Pezeshkian said Iran had no intention of developing nuclear weapons but reserved the right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities under international law.
He reiterated Iran’s readiness to strengthen ties with Islamic countries and expand cooperation to promote regional peace.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the initiative for the meeting came from Asim Munir and that Tehran agreed to the visit after reviewing the proposal.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Dr Rayed Krimly confirmed that the kingdom’s defence minister was heading a delegation to Tehran on Monday.
“The visit comes as part of the continued efforts by the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries for de-escalation between parties involved in the ongoing crisis,” Krimly said in a post on X.
It is aimed at “promoting dialogue and diplomatic solutions, in support of the mediation efforts carried out by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan”, he added.
