Iran and Saudi Arabia will soon exchange diplomatic visits, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says, in a possible sign of tensions easing after the two countries cut ties last year.
It would be the first exchange of diplomats between the two countries since they cut ties in January 2016, after protesters stormed Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran in response to the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.
Speaking to the Iranian Students' News Agency (Isna), Mr Zarif also said Tehran was ready for dialogue with Riyadh to resolve regional crises.
Mr Zarif told Isna the diplomatic visits between Iran and Saudi Arabia would take place after this year's Hajj, which is due to start at the beginning of next month.
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"Visas have been delivered for the two sides," he said. "The final steps need to be completed so our diplomats can go inspect our embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia and for Saudi diplomats to come inspect their embassy and consulate."
The announcement came as Qatar said it was restoring full diplomatic ties with Iran after also pulling its ambassador from the country in early 2016, in an act of solidarity with Saudi Arabia. That decision disregarded the demand of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab nations locked in a regional dispute with Doha that it lessen its ties to Tehran.
There have been signs of a thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in recent months, including an agreement to allow Iranians to participate in this year's Hajj.
Iranians were unable to attend the annual pilgrimage last year after talks on security and logistics fell apart.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners