Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister Prince Nayef
Bin Abdulaziz announced Wednesday that he will be heading for Iran after the Hajj to sign a security pact and to discuss ways for expanding relations with the Islamic republic, reported the Iranian News Agency (IRNA).
Prince Nayef “reiterated the strong shared political will of all Saudi officials to keep expanding all-encompassing relations with Iran,” an Iranian official told the agency.
The agreement was proposed by the Saudi minister last year.
Both countries' officials have been working to prepare the final draft which will be signed in Tehran.
The agreement includes combating crime terrorism and drugs, in addition to extraditing suspects wanted for trial.
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, who visited Saudi Arabia in May, has worked to improve Tehran's relations with Riyadh since his 1997 election.
The two Gulf nations broke off relations for four years after more than 400 people were killed in 1987 clashes between Saudi security forces and Iranian pilgrims in Mecca demonstrating against Israel and the United States -- Albawaba.com
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