Saudi Arabia and Iran have reached an agreement to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after the two sides held negotiations in the Chinese capital, according to a joint statement released by Beijing, Riyadh and Tehran on Friday.

The three sides made the announcement after a meeting between China's senior diplomat Wang Yi and representatives from the two countries in Beijing on Friday.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, said the dialogue in Beijing opened a new chapter in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

China supports both sides to make solid steps based on their agreement and use patience and wisdom to jointly work toward a better future, he said.

As a trustworthy friend of both sides, Beijing stands ready to continue playing a constructive role, he added.

The improvement in relations between Riyadh and Tehran opened a path for peace and stability in the Middle East and set an example for countries to use dialogue and consultation to resolve their conflicts and differences, he said.

Wang reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to supporting the strategic autonomy of Middle Eastern countries and encouraged them to build up solidarity and coordination, stay away from foreign interference and place their own future into their own hands.

Representatives from Riyadh and Tehran conducted negotiations in Beijing from Monday to Friday, the statement said.

As part of the agreement, Riyadh and Tehran agreed to host meetings between respective foreign ministers, send ambassadors to each other and explore steps to enhance bilateral relations.

The two countries also agreed to reactivate security cooperation deals signed on April 17, 2001 and cooperation agreements on economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports and youth in May 27, 1998.

The three sides agreed to make every effort to enhance international and regional peace and security.