The Saudi foreign ministry has announced the appointment of Naif al-Sudairi, the head of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic mission in Jordan, as a part-time ambassador to Palestine.
"Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (the title of the King of Saudi Arabia) in Jordan Naif al-Sudairi presented his credentials to Palestinian Presidential Adviser on Diplomatic Affairs Majdi Khaldi, officially assuming the role of part-time ambassador to the State of Palestine and consul general in the city of Jerusalem," the statement read on the ministry's social media page.
Al-Sudairi's appointment marks the first time a Saudi diplomat has been assigned to represent the country's interests in Palestine. The credentials ceremony took place at the Palestinian embassy building in Amman.
This move occurs amid speculations regarding the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. According to The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, there is a general understanding between Washington and Riyadh regarding the terms of such an arrangement. This could involve Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel in exchange for concessions benefiting the Palestinians, security assurances from the United States, and assistance in the realm of peaceful nuclear energy. These sources anticipate that the specifics of this possible agreement will be finalized within the next 9-12 months.
Palestine is concerned that improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel might weaken support for Palestinian autonomy within the Arab world and undermine efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki has voiced these apprehensions, expressing the autonomy's determination to enhance engagement with Riyadh to address these concerns.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS