Israeli Tourism Minister Makes Historic Visit to Saudi Arabia
In a groundbreaking move, Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz embarked on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, becoming the first Israeli minister to make a public trip to the kingdom. The visit comes as the two nations engage in talks to normalize relations and foster greater cooperation.
During his two-day trip, Katz will attend a conference organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in Saudi Arabia. Speaking about the significance of tourism in building bridges between nations, Katz emphasized its potential to bring hearts together and drive economic progress.
This landmark visit coincides with efforts to strengthen ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the possibility of a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, stating that it is within reach during his recent visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud echoed this sentiment, noting that the two countries are getting closer to a deal while highlighting the importance of considering the welfare of Palestinians.
In another development, Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, the first Saudi Ambassador to Palestine, presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
As Israel and Saudi Arabia continue to pursue closer ties, this historic visit by Israel’s Tourism Minister sets a positive precedent for future cooperation in various sectors. The significance of this move is not only symbolic but also holds great potential for fostering economic growth and strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.
