In historic first, Israeli delegation taking part in Saudi-hosted conference

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - In an unprecedented step, an Israeli diplomatic delegation is currently visiting Saudi Arabia to take part in a UNESCO conference in the capital Riyadh.

“I can confirm that an Israeli delegation is participating in the UNESCO conference in Saudi Arabia,” an Israeli official told Anadolu, asking not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The source confirmed that it is the first time an Israeli delegation is paying an official visit to Saudi Arabia, which has no official ties with Israel.

The Israeli delegation is made up of Foreign Ministry officials, the source added.

Israeli army radio reported last week that the Saudi government had denied entry visas to both Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Education Minister Yoav Kisch to take part in the same international conference.

In recent months, Israeli officials have spoken about the possible imminent normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia, but Riyadh has repeatedly confirmed that this will not happen until a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is reached.

Riyadh is currently hosting the World Heritage Conference, organized by UNESCO on Sept. 10-25.