“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and deemed this positive step important toward consolidating peace and stability in the region,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry emphasized that Islamic Emirate considers the progress in diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to help strengthen multilateral relations and cooperation in the region.

The Islamic Emirate also appreciated the efforts of the People’s Republic of China for hosting talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran for the sake of stability in the region.

On Friday, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations after discussions brokered by China.

This rapprochement followed several years of suspended relations after the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, an Islamic scholar, and the 2016 attack on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.

Bilateral relations between the countries have been strained over several geopolitical issues such as the interpretations of Islam, oil export policy and relations with the United States and other Western countries. (ILKHA)