RIYADH: The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met in Vienna on Wednesday with his Austrian counterpart, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, to discuss ways to enhance ties between their countries.
The ministers welcomed the announcement this week of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, and expressed hope that it would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire agreement, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and allow for further negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.
They said the document represented a crucial step in support of regional stability and the promotion of diplomatic solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministers also discussed cooperation in the energy and logistics fields, and ways to encourage mutual investments, particularly in alternative and renewable energy projects.
Prince Faisal, whose official trip to Europe included a stop in Portugal on Tuesday, also met separately with the Austrian chancellor, Christian Stocker, and the president of the country’s National Council, Walter Rosenkranz.
His discussions with Stocker were said to include developing issues in Europe, the Middle East and other regions. His meeting with Rosenkranz reportedly focused on reviews of Saudi-Austrian cooperation, regional issues, and efforts to ensure security and stability.
