Iranian president to make first visit to Saudi Arabia in 20 years

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will hold an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.

The Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Rida Nouri said in a statement to the Saudi daily Okaz that President Khatami and members of a large official delegation will start a visit to Saudi Arabia within the coming three months, and prior to al-Haj season rituals for this year.

The Iranian ambassador added that the visit of President Khatami to Saudi Arabia reflects the sincere desire of the two countries' leaders to develop their relations for the interests of the two countries and the whole Islamic nation. Khatami's visit to Saudi Arabia is the first visit by an Iranian President since 1979.