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Saudi defense minister to visit Iran

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Tuesday, March 30, 1999

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Saudi Arabia plans to send its defense minister to Teheran in what is being regarded as the latest demonstration of warming relations between the rival Muslim states.

Officials said Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Ibn Abd Al-Azia will visit Iran on May 1. The Saudi minister is expected to sign a defense agreement between the two countries.

Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Reza Nouri Shahroudi said such an accord will expand ties between the two countries in the areas of defense and security. Shahroudi told the Islamic Republic News Agency that the agreement will expand bilateral cooperation in other areas such as the environment, air transport and civil aviation.

Diplomats said Iranian-Saudi ties have been steadily improving. They point to an announcement that the Saudi national airline will begin flights to Iranian cities in June.

Iranian officials said they were pleased with the recent oil agreement signed with Riyad for the cut in oil production as well as the Saudi decision to host thousands of Iranian pilgrims during the Haj.

Tuesday, March 30, 1999


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