The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia say their countries will strengthen economic and security ties, following a deal brokered by China last month to restore diplomatic relations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Beijing on Thursday.

In a joint statement, they confirmed that the two sides will reopen embassies.

They also said they discussed resuming direct flights and facilitating granting of visas for citizens.

Tehran and Riyadh cut diplomatic ties in 2016 after protesters in Iran attacked the Saudi Arabian Embassy following the execution of a Shia Muslim cleric by Saudi Arabia.

Beijing brokered a deal last month to reestablish diplomatic relations.

In a photo session on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stood in the middle, hand-in-hand with the top diplomats of Iran and Saudi Arabia.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters that China will continue to contribute its wisdom and power to promote the security, stability and development of the Middle East.

The United States has traditionally been the main mediator in the region for decades.