Saudi Ambassador Meets Iranian Presidential Economic Advisor to Bolster Bilateral Trade
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, Abdullah bin Saud Al Anzi, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Iran, engaged in discussions with Masoumeh Aghapour, the President’s Advisor for Economic Cooperation, regarding the deepening of commercial relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, held shortly before the start of Ramadan, Aghapour underscored the crucial need to expand economic collaboration, emphasizing the significant role the private sector must play in strengthening commercial interactions. Both sides evaluated the current state of Tehran-Riyadh relations as positive and oriented toward growth, expressing a mutual desire to elevate the level of economic exchanges.
The discussion was facilitated by the Iran-Saudi Arabia Economic Cooperation and Investment Fund, noted as a key private sector entity. Aghapour extended greetings for the holy month, wishing the government and people of Saudi Arabia divine blessings and prosperity.
Highlighting the constructive and neighborly focus of the Iranian President’s administration, Aghapour stated that developing ties with neighboring countries is a foremost foreign policy priority, asserting that the economy serves as a robust foundation for interstate relationships. She detailed Iran’s economic capabilities, noting that goods exports, engineering services, startups, and knowledge-based companies represent key areas for potential partnership with regional states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Aghapour also referenced the substantial contribution of Iranian women to education and the economy, noting that women constitute approximately 65 percent of university students and maintain an active and constructive presence across various economic sectors.
The Advisor further framed Iran’s raw material access and production capacities as a valuable opportunity for cooperation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, expressing hope for constructive economic steps by both governments. She concluded by stressing the importance of cohesion among Muslim nations, referencing the Kaaba as the focal point for the Islamic world.
Ambassador Al Anzi offered congratulations on the arrival of Ramadan, wishing the Islamic Ummah a time filled with goodness and acceptance of deeds. He characterized the bilateral relationship as being on the correct, forward trajectory, while noting that the economic and trade sectors remain in their nascent stages, requiring a more conducive environment for further development.
The Saudi Ambassador remarked that the current volume of trade does not reflect the established political relationship, voicing optimism for an imminent increase in economic and commercial ties. He stressed that economic development must be supported by both the private sector’s engagement and governmental backing, adding that fostering trust in the private sector and creating platforms for direct interaction between economic actors will bolster cooperation. He suggested that closer knowledge of each other’s capacities is vital for effective engagement.
Regarding the role of women in Saudi Arabia, Al Anzi affirmed that Saudi women have been active since the Kingdom’s founding, with their roles evolving alongside national transformations. He mentioned that increased education and scholarships have resulted in many women returning from prestigious global universities to contribute in specialized fields, holding significant positions across ministries and various sectors.
Al Anzi commended the active participation of Iranian women across academic, economic, and executive levels, deeming their role integral to national development processes. The Ambassador concluded by describing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s stance toward the Islamic Republic of Iran as positive and constructive, expressing anticipation for a broader expansion of bilateral relations soon.
