Saudi Arabia denies meeting with Israeli minister

Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia has denied that there was a meeting between its trade minister and his Israeli counterpart on Monday.

A video of the alleged conversation between the Saudi trade minister and his Israeli counterpart on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in Abu Dhabi went viral.

Saudi Arabia's official news agency Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing official Saudi sources, that Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi was standing with his Nigerian counterpart when an unknown person approached the minister to congratulate him.

He later introduced himself as the Minister of Economy in the Israeli government, SPA said, citing official Saudi sources.

Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, referring to the talks held on Monday, expressed confidence that the two countries can make history together.

It is pertinent to note that trade ministers from around the world gathered on Monday for a four-day meeting of the WTO aimed at setting new global trade rules.

Talks between the two countries were rare due to the lack of formal ties, although efforts were made by the United States to bring Israel and the United States closer together.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, sources say that Saudi Arabia's steadfast stance on the Palestinian cause and the support of the Palestinian people against Israeli aggression were also emphasized.

On the other hand, US President Joe Biden addressing an interview said that Saudi Arabia is ready to recognize Israel. Biden stated that he is in contact with six Arab countries, including Qatar.

He added that the cease-fire in Gaza will give them an opportunity to move in the direction that many Arab countries are ready for.

The American president continued to say that a two-state solution is necessary to maintain the existence of Israel. If Israel does not ensure the safety of the lives of Palestinians in Rafah, it will lose international support.