Editor's note: Bobby Naderi is a London-based journalist, guest contributor in print, radio and television, and documentary filmmaker. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In a significant breakthrough with longstanding policies of the past, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions after seven years of tensions over numerous issues. The historic deal, struck in Beijing on March 10, represents a major diplomatic victory for the country.

After the deal, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani and Saudi Arabia's National Security Advisor Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban released a joint communique with China, which endorsed the agreement. The joint statement calls on Tehran and Riyadh to dial down tensions and de-escalate, in order to promote regional and international peace and security.

The major agreement, brokered by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, is the sum of many acts. It comes as Beijing tries to help end the war in Yemen, in which both Iran and Saudi Arabia are heavily involved.

If there is one salient takeaway from the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh, it’s worth fighting for. China's role in arranging the deal highlights its growing influence in the Muslim world. After the signing ceremony, Wang Yi said, "This is a victory for dialogue, a victory for peace, and is major positive news for the world which is currently so turbulent and restive, and it sends a clear signal."

Bringing Yemen to heel

The war in Yemen is unnecessary yet destructive to human lives, property and virtues that has kept Iran and Saudi Arabia at each other's throats for many years. The two countries have the opportunity to play a better role in averting confrontations, ending all that chaos and sorrow between the Yemeni factions.

An important reason to end the violence is not only the insecurity costs but also the moral costs. The conflict has turned Yemen into a breeding ground for extremism, spawning terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL to thrive. The resolution would help end the violence and reduce aggressive acts and killer weapons in the region.

Another critical reason to break the boosters of the violence is energy security. The Red Sea is a vital shipping route and any disruption could have significant impact on global energy prices. The all-for-nothing-but-destruction war has raised insurance costs for shipping companies, making it more expensive to transport oil. The resolution would ensure safe and reliable passage for shipping.

The drawn-out conflict has exacerbated human suffering in blockaded Yemen. The tragic reality is that critical infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Ending the armed conflict and violence would enable the international community to provide the much-needed aid.

And China can play a crucial role in rebuilding and developing Yemen's infrastructure. It has the resources and expertise to manage relations with multiple states and actors. China has provided significant aid to Yemen throughout the fighting, and has supported peace talks between the warring factions. With its economic and diplomatic influence in Tehran and Riyadh, China has what it takes to help make Yemen a neutral buffer, thereby creating the foundations for a shared regional order.

Adding peace to portfolios

The Persian Gulf is home to some of the world's most strategic oil and gas reserves, while Iran and Saudi Arabia are major energy producers. There is safety in numbers and dangers in a rift. No country would win if the current distrust leads to major disruptions in global energy supplies, impacting the economies of both oil producers and consumers.

The world cannot afford another bloody conflict that would have a profound impact on global energy systems, with dramatic changes in energy demand, supply and policies. As the region slowly recovers from America's disastrous war on terror, there is an urgent need for responsible powers such as China to boost regional and international trade, and to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies.

The importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cannot be overstated, as the region sits at a crucial crossroad between the continents. The infrastructure development project offers an amazing opportunity for the Middle Eastern countries to diversify their oil-dependent economies. By building new infrastructure and promoting trade, the BRI could expand these countries' economies and create new job opportunities.

Under the new political conditions, the national leaders in Tehran and Riyadh are expected to make reality-based policies and judgements on specific bilateral issues, to reach a compromise that satisfies all sides. This will require a sustainable strategy, as well as the development of new institutions and mechanisms for managing crucial peace affairs. With the right policies, investments and institutions, it’s possible to recognize the interconnectedness of what plagues the region in order to add peace to their portfolios.

In essence, shared tranquility, security and development are the creations of governments, and promises should last for a longtime to come. China brokered an enduring resolution that will prove critical for having a safe, fair and secure Middle East in the immediate future. The diplomatic breakthrough has come in favor of humanity, and just as important, a successful example for all.

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