Saudi delegation seeks to reassure Palestinians about possible normalization with Israel

In his inaugural meetings on Tuesday with Palestinian officials during the first official Saudi delegation's visit to Palestinian territories since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority following the Oslo Accords, Ambassador Naif Al Sudairi sought to emphasize that the Palestinian cause remains a "cornerstone" in any potential normalization agreement with Israel.

Following his meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki in Ramallah, Al Sudairi told reporters, "The Arab initiative presented by the Kingdom in 2002 is a fundamental pillar for any forthcoming agreement."

This initiative, put forward in March 2002, proposes establishing diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for its withdrawal from the territories it occupied during the 1967 war. These territories include the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the Golan Heights.

In August, Al Sudairi was appointed as a non-resident ambassador to Palestinian territories and also holds the position of Consul General in Jerusalem. The Saudi Embassy in Amman, Jordan, is traditionally responsible for Palestinian affairs.

Al Sudairi arrived in Palestinian territories leading an official delegation from Jordan, crossing the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge), which is controlled by Israel on the opposite side from Jordan.

This visit marks the first of its kind by an official Saudi delegation since the signing of the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians in 1993, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority. 

It comes at a time when Washington is facilitating talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia regarding the normalization of relations, a development that has raised concerns among Palestinians.


AFP