Riyadh, Mar 15 (EFE).- Saudi investments in Iran could happen \u201cvery quickly\u201d following a Chinese-brokered deal for the two foes to restore diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia\u2019s finance minister said Wednesday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agreement struck in China on Friday paves the way for the two regional powerhouses of the Middle East to begin a process of normalizing ties after a seven year rift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asked how soon bilateral investments could follow the d\u00e9tente, Mohammed Al-Jadaan said: \u201cWhen people really stick to the principles of what was agreed, I think that could happen very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur aim and, I think this has been made very clear previously by our leadership, is to have a region that is very stable, that is able to provide for its people and that prospers,\u201d he told the Financial Sector Conference taking place in Riyadh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd there is no reason for that not to happen. Iran is our neighbor and has been and will continue to be for hundreds of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, I don\u2019t see any issue that would prevent the normalization of the relationship, cross-investments, etc., as long as we stick to agreements of respecting sovereign rights, not interfering in others\u2019 affairs, respecting United Nations conventions, and others,\u201d Al-Jadaan added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deal between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the leading Sunni and Shia powers in the region respectively, set out a plan for the countries to reopen embassies within two months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Riyadh and Tehran have long been at odds when it comes to exerting influence in the region, with both backing opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran seven years ago after protesters in Tehran assaulted the Saudi embassy following Riyadh\u2019s execution of prominent Saudi Shia sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr.EFE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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