LOC15:48
12:48 GMT
RIYADH, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia said Sunday that the kingdom accepted a "limited" Swiss offer for managing its consular affairs, with regard to Iranian pilgrims, and Saudi interests in Tehran.
In a joint press conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, accompanied by visiting Switzerland counterpart Didier Burkhalter, said his country has accepted a Swiss proposal to facilitate travel for Iranians wishing to perform Hajj or lesser Hajj (Umra).
The Saudi minister stressed that the offer is limited and would not be considered a mediation between Riyadh and Tehran.
"Switzerland offered to handle the (consular) interests of Saudi Arabia in Iran, and we in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciated that and accepted," Al-Jubeir said.
But he said there was no need for mediation in Saudi Arabia's rift with Iran, citing what he described as Iran's long pattern of interference in regional conflicts.
In early January, Saudi Arabia evacuated its staff after its embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad were attacked by Iranian protesters following the execution of a Saudi Shiite preacher along with 46 others.
Earlier, Burkhalter met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussion highlighted bilateral relations and human rights issues. (end)
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