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Iran Foreign Ministry welcomes Saudi overture

Iranian officials have lauded the invitation of Iran's foreign minister to visit Saudi Arabia, but improving relations will take much more than diplomacy.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attends the annual Munich Security Conference February 2, 2014. REUTERS/Lukas Barth (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX184O0
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Speaking at a May 12 news conference, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said that Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has been invited to visit Saudi Arabia. The announcement raised speculation as to whether the two regional rivals are willing to resolve their differences.

“Anytime that [Zarif] sees to fit to come, we are willing to receive him. Iran is a neighbor. We have relations with them and we will negotiate with them. We will talk with them,” said Faisal. He did not mention when or how the invitation had been extended.

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