Speaking on Monday evening at the ceremony for Saudi Arabia’s National Day, the Minister of Petroleum said: “I am very pleased to be representing the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and as the chairman of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries, I would like to congratulate the ambassador, the government, and the people of Saudi Arabia on the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

He added: “The 14th administration, under the leadership of Masoud Pezeshkian, pays special attention to developing relations with neighboring countries” noting “We believe that the cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two important countries in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, in addition to ensuring the national and mutual interests of the two countries, can bring many benefits and blessings for the stability and security of the region, as well as the development and enhancement of the welfare of the people of these countries.”

Paknejad went on to say: “Iran and Saudi Arabia, with many religious and cultural commonalities, and being located in a very important and vital region of the world, can play an effective and historical role in the region.”

Minister of Petroleum explained that the multilateral cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia within the framework of international and regional organizations has created new opportunities for collaboration, noting “In addition to the United Nations, OPEC, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which have long-standing histories, new international mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS also have suitable capacities for strengthening bilateral relations.”

He emphasized: “Fortunately, the joint consultations of the two countries on regional issues, particularly on the issue of Palestine and Gaza is going on continuously.”

I deem it necessary to condemn the crimes of the Zionist regime in the massacre of innocent Palestinian people and its terrorist and cowardly actions in Lebanon, Paknejad said adding that based on the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I call for the complete cessation of the Zionist regime’s war crimes, an immediate ceasefire, and the opening of necessary routes to send humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.