Iranian & Saudi Sports Ministers Meet to Discuss Expansion of Sports Cooperation

Iran NOC; Tehran: The meeting was also attended by Alireza Enayati, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Saudi Arabia, and Nasser Iman-Majali, Secretary-General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA).

Dr. Donyamali expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Islamic Solidarity Games, noting that Iran had participated with a full delegation. “According to the reports received, excellent preparations have been made for the Games, and I believe this edition will be held with higher quality compared to previous ones,” he said. Recalling his first visit to Riyadh two decades ago, Dr. Donyamali stated that he then served in the maritime and ports sector and had a constructive meeting with Prince Abdullah. He emphasized Iran’s willingness to expand relations with Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian has repeatedly underlined the importance of enhancing bilateral ties. Highlighting the potential of sport to strengthen relations between the two nations, the Iranian minister said, “One of the key areas that can foster closer relations between our two countries and peoples is sport. We are keen to develop broader cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this field.”

Donyamali further noted that the participation of 57 Islamic countries in the current edition of the Games “promises a bright future for cooperation among Islamic nations,” expressing hope that Iran could host a future edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. He also extended an invitation to the Saudi minister to visit Tehran. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, for his part, welcomed the Iranian delegation and expressed satisfaction at meeting Dr. Donyamali again, saying, “I am delighted to see you at the opening ceremony of the Islamic Solidarity Games and hope our third meeting will take place in Tehran.” He congratulated Dr. Donyamali on the election of Iranian weightlifter Ali Davoudi as athletes’ representative to the ISSA Athletes’ Commission, describing bilateral relations as being in their best condition. The Saudi minister underlined that directives from both countries’ senior leadership emphasize strengthening ties between the two nations and expressed readiness for close cooperation in the sports sector.

Prince Abdulaziz also thanked Iran for its continued support of the ISSA and regional sporting events, wishing success to Iranian athletes competing in the Islamic Solidarity Games.