TEMPO.CO, Tehran – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, stated that his country has developed close ties with Saudi Arabia, calling Saudi Arabia a "friend and brother" of Iran. Rouhani expressed his statement during his speech in a meeting with Hajj officials in Tehran on Thursday, September 19.

Rouhani also said that his government is "willing to remove trivial tensions from the path [of bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia] in order to fulfill bilateral and the Islamic world's interests." during his speech to Hajj officials in Tehran.

"This [expansion of ties] has been emphasized both in the Saudi king's congratulatory letter to me, and in my letter to thank him," Rouhani added.

Rouhani stated that improving relations with neighboring countries is the first priority in his foreign policy. He also pledged to approach Western countries with open arms over Iran's disputed nuclear program.

Tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been on the rise during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration. Both countries have conflicting approach on issues in Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt.

The tension intensified when the United States foiled an Iranian-linked plot to murder Saudi ambassador Adl al-Jubeir in October 2011.

AL ARABIYA | CHOIRUL