Positive moves by Saudis, Iranians welcomed in region

The prospect of a thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in the wake of conciliatory moves by both sides has been welcomed as offering hope for peace and stability in the Middle East, experts said.

In a televised interview last week to mark the fifth anniversary of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a socio-economic blueprint aimed at reducing the kingdom's dependence on oil and developing the nation's public services, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said his country wanted to have good relations with Iran.

Iran, in turn, said it was willing to adopt a constructive dialogue with its Gulf neighbor and overcome their differences.