President Hassan Rouhani says the Saudi government must stop adopting “divisive” polices with respect to the developments in the Middle East region.

“The Saudi government must stop continuing with its divisive policies, disseminating the ideology of hatred and encroaching on the rights of its neighbors and it must shoulder its responsibility with regards to the life and dignity of [Hajj] pilgrims and found its relations on the basis of mutual respect and accepting responsibility towards regional nations” if it seeks a new prospect for its development and the security of the region, President Rouhani said.

The Iranian president made the remarks during his speech at the 71st UN General Assembly session in New York on Thursday. 

For the region to enjoy security and peace, “Certain countries in the region must stop bombarding their neighbors and put an end to their support for Takfiri terrorist groups, accept their responsibility and take measures to compensate [for their acts],” the Iranian president added. 

The 71st United Nations General Assembly opened on September 13. 

Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, President Rouhani arrived in New York on Tuesday to participate in the 71st annual session of the United Nations General Assembly and hold talks with senior officials of some other countries attending the meeting.

President Rouhani has met and held talks with several leaders and heads of state on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.