Iranian and Sudanese foreign ministers have discussed, during the first meeting in seven years, the “imminent” resumption of diplomatic relations.

The meeting took place between Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Ali al-Sadiq Ali on the sidelines of a gathering of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)’s foreign ministers in Baku on Thursday.

Amir-Abdollahian described Sudan as an important and pivotal country in the Muslim world and expressed hope that security and peace would be restored to the African country as soon as possible.

In a tweet later in the day, he said they discussed the “imminent resumption” of diplomatic relations between Khartoum and Tehran, adding, “I was informed about the latest domestic developments in Sudan. Tehran stresses the need for political solution and avoidance of war.”

Sadeq Ali, for his part, discussed the latest situation in Sudan and relevant regional developments.

In a statement after the meeting, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry appreciated the humanitarian assistance of the Iranian Red Crescent to Sudan during the country’s ongoing armed conflict.

It also hailed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran, stressing that the move would increase security and stability in the region.