Tehran, April 24 (MRUD NEWS)—Following the resumption of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran received an official request on the part of Saudi Arabia for launching regular flights three times per week in addition to existing Hajj flights, Iran Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash, informed yesterday. 

Due to the necessity of strengthening regional diplomacy, Iran Civil Aviation Organization will make every effort to establish these regular flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Bazrpash further added. 

The two countries had previously announced their determinations to strengthen regional and international peace and security within the framework of General Agreement for Cooperation in the Fields of Economy, Trade, Investment, Technology, Science, Culture, Sports, and Youth signed in 1998, so the regular weekly flights are considered for expansion of cooperation regardless of current arrangements for Hajj flights, added Bazrpash.

Iran's Minister also reminded that since last months, all arrangements have been made with the Saudi Civil Aviation for the proper execution of Hajj flights.

Brokered by China in March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after seven years and the two countries are to re-open embassies in Tehran and Riyadh by May 2023.