UN chief invites Saudi king, Israeli president to dinner

PEACE-BROKER: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (pictured) made the invitations. (Getty Images)

Saudi King Abdullah and Israeli President Shimon Peres are expected to attend a dinner hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday, a first for the two heads of state whose countries lack diplomatic ties.

Ban said he had invited the two dignitaries, who are in New York for a UN conference on interfaith dialogue, to a dinner later Tuesday, and welcomed the occasion to bring together two leaders who tend to avoid one another.

"It's quite unique when you expect President Peres of Israel and the King of Saudi Arabia and many kings and leaders from the Arab world (to) sit down together and having dinner, this is quite encouraging and positive," Ban said.

"In this regard I sincerely hope that through their participation in the meeting itself and through this kind of social, diplomatic gathering, they will be able to promote further understanding."

Seventeen heads of state and government, including from Israel, the United States, Britain, and several Arab countries, are expected to participate Wednesday and Thursday in the interfaith conference, an initiative of the Saudi king.

Not all will arrive in time for the dinner, but King Abdullah and Peres will, accompanied by Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

US President George W. Bush is expected in New York Wednesday.

Ban refused to say if Abdullah and Peres would be seated at the same table.

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