Against the backdrop of talks over a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Tourism Minister Haim Katz and his entourage arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to take part in a conference of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Minister Katz told Israel Hayom: "I arrived in Riyadh on an official delegation to a conference of the UN Tourism Organization to mark International Tourism Day. I did not agree to come as a guest, but as an official official on behalf of the State of Israel. After 48 years of being a member of the UN, only a few months ago and after I acted on the issue, we received an official role in the organization and we are leading the strategic think tank on tourism at the UN," the minister said excitedly.
Riyadh (archive), photo: GettyImages
Netanyahu presents the map of peace in the Middle East // Photo: Reuters
Katz added, "We were warmly received in Riyadh by a large official delegation. The event is historic and accordingly exciting. The main message of my presence here is that tourism is a bridge to peace and bringing hearts together. Tourism brings prosperity, and hopefully, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has already made great diplomatic achievements in the past, peace will also come."
Katz is the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation in Saudi Arabia. Next week, another minister will take off for Riyadh, Communications Minister Shlomo Krei, who will take part in a postal conference. Minister Qari is expected to stay in the country for three days during the Sukkot holiday. The Minister of Communications will be joined by Chairman of the Economy Committee MK David Bitan.
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