The Arab League welcomed on Saturday the announcement that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to restore diplomatic relations. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the agreement would end the state of tension between the two countries that lasted for more than seven years. He also said the agreement could mark a new positive phase in bilateral relations, which may lead to achieving a level of stability in the region. The Sec-Gen further hailed "the efforts exerted by China, Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman in this regard." 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.