Israeli minister arrives in Saudi Arabia as normalisation talks intensify
'Tourism is a bridge between nations. Partnership in tourism issues has the potential to bring hearts together and economic prosperity,' Tourism Minister Haim Katz said.
Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking the first official visit by a senior Israeli official to the Kingdom.
Katz will participate in a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference, meeting other ministers from Middle East countries.
“Tourism is a bridge between nations. Partnership in tourism issues has the potential to bring hearts together and economic prosperity. I will work to create collaborations to promote tourism and Israel’s foreign relations,” Katz said.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia next week for the the Exceptional Posts Conference along with Likud lawmaker David Bitan, chairman of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee.
Katz’s visit comes as Israel and Saudi Arabia are moving closer toward normalisation “every day”, according to both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The U.S. is currently mediating between the two regional powers, with foreign media reporting that Saudi Arabia is looking for three gains in order to normalise ties with Israel; A Nato-like defence pact with the U.S., permission to get a nuclear power plant, and significant Israeli concessions toward the Palestinians.
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