Quiet diplomacy.

IN a remarkable display of quiet diplomacy, Saudi Arabia and Iran have announced their intentions of normalising bilateral relations. China, which had lately taken steps to deepen its political and economic ties with both nations, was a natural choice as mediator.

Will this rapprochement last long enough to underpin a much-needed regional stability? Will it work this time, considering many such efforts in the past failed? Will the US make counter moves to check the growing influence of China in the Middle East? And, how would this affect Pakistan? These are important questions, the answers to which will profoundly affect the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia of recent years has been changing at a rapid pace. Its young and dynamic crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is spearheading the 'transformation'. The country is diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil exports. The Saudi Vision 2030 envisages its role as a hub that would 'connect three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe'. Socially, Saudi society is shedding much of the conservatism that had come to define Arabia under the House of Saud.

To implement its ambitious agenda, Saudi Arabia is adapting its foreign policy by rationalising its security relations with the US and reaching out to other major powers, especially China.

Secondly, it is taking steps to create a peaceful neighbourhood. Normalising ties with Turkey, Qatar, and even potentially Israel, as well as the recent outreach to Iran, are in sync with the ambitious but prudent domestic and foreign policy agenda it is pursuing.

For its part, Iran, too, has an interest in normalising ties with Saudi Arabia. Iran is under deep economic stress due to the US sanctions, which are hurting every segment of its national life.

There are also signs of society wearying of social restrictions, as evidenced by the widespread women-led protests in the country. Further, supporting and funding proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen has been costly for cash-starved Iran. Understandably, therefore, Iran seeks to reduce tensions with its Arab neighbours and counter US attempts to isolate and marginalise it.

Pakistan can benefit from the Saudi-Iran deal if it puts its economic house in order.

China's diplomatic initiative to play the role of mediator makes profound geopolitical and geoeconomic sense. Saudi oil meets the bulk of China's energy requirements.

Riyadh welcomed President Xi Jinping last December, signing 34...