Arab countries welcomed on Friday the announcement that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to restore diplomatic relations. A tripartite statement issued by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China said Riyadh and Tehran agreed to reopen their embassies and restore representation within a period of two months. They also agreed to activate the security cooperation agreement between them. Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Muscat's hope that this step would contribute to strengthening the pillars of security and stability in the region and consolidate positive and constructive cooperation that benefits all peoples of the region and world. Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a telephone call with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar welcomed the agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties, reported Qatar’s state news agency (QNA). Doha looks forward to the step boosting security and stability in the region and meeting the aspirations of the peoples in Saudi Arabia, Iran and the whole region. Iraq’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to start a "new chapter" of diplomatic relations between the two neighbors. It highlighted the Iraqi government’s efforts to that end after it had hosted dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Baghdad. The government said the dialogue had laid down strong foundations for the meetings between them that followed in Oman and then China that culminated in the signing of the agreement to restore ties. The agreement will mark the start of a "new stage" that will have a positive impact on regional cooperation. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to United Arab Emirates President, said: "We welcome the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations, and we hail the Chinese role in this regard." "The UAE believes in the importance of positive communication and dialogue among the countries of the region towards consolidating the concepts of good neighborliness and starting from a common ground to build a more stable future for all."