RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has told United States it will not open diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, its Foreign Ministry said.

Riyadh reiterated its call for permanent members of UN Security Council that have not recognised Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital to do so, Ministry statement said.

United States had led months of diplomacy to get Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel and recognise country until Gaza war began in October, leading Riyadh to shelve matter in face of Arab anger over Israel’s offensive.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is touring region, said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had “Reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strong interest in pursuing” normalisation when they met this week.

On Tuesday, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden administration has received positive feedback that Saudi Arabia and Israel are willing to continue to have normalisation discussions.

The Saudi foreign ministry statement said the “Kingdom has communicated  Countries including United States and Britain have reiterated their support for two-state solution.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said last week there would be time when Britain would look to recognise Palestinian state, including at United Nations.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 08 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.