Iran welcomes Saudi statements on developing Iran's defense abilities

Iran has welcomed statements made by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in which he defended the right of Iran to develop its defense capabilities.

In statements he made in Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi said that statements made by Crown Prince Abdullah reveal the positive atmosphere prevailing in relations between the two countries. He stressed that the exchanged confidence between Tehran and Riyadh will be strengthened.

The Iranian FM expressed his hope that the two countries will play a key role in maintaining peace and security in the region.

The Saudi crown prince said in statements to the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily issued on Wednesday that Iran has the right to develop its defense means in the service of its security, without violating the rights of others, "the same right we enjoy and practice, as well as the world as a whole."

The Saudi crown prince exclaimed, "Then why is Iran (singled out) when developing its defense means, apart from others?"