Against the backdrop of ongoing discussions concerning the normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Israeli Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, along with his delegation, arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to participate in a conference hosted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Minister Katz, while speaking to Israeli reporters, stated, "I have arrived in Riyadh as an official delegate for the United Nations Tourism Organization's conference, which coincides with International Tourism Day. My presence here is not as a mere guest but rather as an official representative of the State of Israel. Just a few months ago, after my active involvement, Israel secured an official position within the United Nations, and we are currently leading the strategic think tank on tourism at the UN," said the minister with evident enthusiasm.
Tourism Minister Haim Katz, the first 🇮🇱 minister to openly visit 🇸🇦 talks about Jerusalem, Riyadh's rapprochement
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) September 27, 2023
'My feeling is that an affair has begun, but it will take time until it crystalizes into a relationship... If there is peace with Saudi Arabia, it will be a warm… pic.twitter.com/1G2lLUBCAh
Katz went on to emphasize, "Our reception in Riyadh has been exceptionally warm, with a significant official delegation extending their hospitality. This event is both historic and exhilarating. The primary message I bring here is that tourism serves as a bridge to foster peace and promote understanding among nations. Tourism also drives economic prosperity, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has already achieved remarkable political milestones, we hope that peace will be among them."
As previously mentioned, Minister Katz's visit marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first Israeli minister to lead an official delegation to Saudi Arabia. In the following week, another Israeli minister, Shlomo Karhi, the Minister of Communications, is set to visit Riyadh to participate in a postal conference. Minister Karhi is expected to stay in the country for three days, coinciding with the Sukkot holiday. Joining him will be the Chairman of the Economy Committee, MK David Bitan.
Tourism Minister Haim Katz with his excellent diplomatic adviser Peleg Lewi and with other staff members -
— rina bassist (@RinaBassist) September 27, 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/t0b6Rlah7C
In his welcoming remarks at the conference, Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khatib, acknowledged Katz's visit and expressed his sentiments, saying, "We have delegations here visiting our country for the first time, and I hope you have been received warmly. Welcome." Minister Al Khatib underscored the significance of tourism as a means of connecting people and cultures, a sentiment echoed by attendees in the room.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exerted pressure on members of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission to consider the possibility of uranium enrichment on Saudi soil. Additionally, Israeli atomic experts prepared a document assessing the extent to which Israel could make concessions on the Saudi nuclear issue. This document was brought to the attention of the head of the Atomic Energy Committee in Israel.
