Advancing Saudi-Israeli Relations: Acknowledging Historic Presence and Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqil al-Khateeb publicly acknowledged the presence of Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz at the UN World Tourism Organization conference in Riyadh, expressing hope that the Israeli delegation was received well. Katz's visit marks the first public visit of an Israeli minister leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia, as the two countries appear to be edging closer to a normalization deal. Katz has held meetings with various foreign officials during his time in Riyadh, including counterparts from Monaco, Malta, Albania, Greece, as well as ministers from Kyrgyzstan and Bahrain.