UAE envoy to Iran to resume duties in coming days

UAE’s Foreign ministry said Sunday the Gulf country’s ambassador to Teheran will resume his duties in coming days in line with diplomatic norms governing bilateral relations.

The move is in line with Abu Dhabi’s efforts to mend ties with Iran and as part of a previous decision to raise diplomatic representation to the rank of ambassador, the ministry said in a statement.

The Arab country has appointed Saif Mohammed Al Zaabi as the new envoy to the Islamic Republic.

Al Zaabi, the ministry said, will contribute to further advancing bilateral relations in cooperation with officials in Iran to achieve the common interests of the two countries and the wider region.

The UAE downgraded its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after protestors attacked Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Teheran, prompted by Riyadh’s execution of prominent Shia scholar Sheikh Nimr Al Nimr.

Last month a top Emirati official indicated that Abu Dhabi does not see Teheran as an enemy or a threat.