Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has revealed that Saudi Arabia is making progress towards normalising relations with Israel.
In an interview with US television channel Fox News, Prince Mohammed discussed various global issues, including his interactions with US President Joe Biden, as well as the kingdom’s relationships with China and Russia.
Regarding normalising relations with Israel, he said, “Everyday we get closer.”
He also denied reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia had stopped talks due to Israel’s unwillingness to make concessions to the Palestinians, emphasising that the negotiations were ongoing and serious.
The extension of the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia would mark a significant shift in regional politics and potentially provide President Biden with a significant foreign policy achievement ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The negotiations revolve around Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, an issue of great importance to Saudi Arabia.
Reports have suggested that a comprehensive agreement could also include US security guarantees.
The Crown Prince stressed on the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue, and said: “For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part.”
He expressed hope that these negotiations would not only ease the lives of Palestinians but also position Israel as a key player in the Middle East.
The interview took place following a meeting between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly, during which both leaders pledged to work towards establishing Saudi-Israeli ties.
On the subject of Iran, Mohammed bin Salman noted that recent steps towards normalising ties with the historical adversary were a positive move away from longstanding tensions.
He expressed openness to working with Iran and bringing it closer to the Arab world and the Middle East, emphasising the potential for prosperity and cooperation.
Regarding the conflict in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have clashed with a Saudi-led coalition, he said that Riyadh is actively seeking a peace deal and intends to invest in Yemen.
If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, ‘we have to get one’, says Saudi Crown Prince
However, when asked about Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, the Crown Prince warned that such a development would be a “bad move” with global consequences.
“If they get one, we have to get one,” he said.
The Crown Prince also addressed the war in Ukraine, condemning Russia’s invasion as a violation of UN rules.
He clarified that the decision by OPEC+ to cut oil production was driven by market stability concerns and not intended to support Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Regarding his relationship with President Biden, Prince Mohammed said he now has a “really an amazing relationship” with Biden.
He further addressed the Jamal Khashoggi case, noting that those responsible were in prison, and reforms had been made to the security system to prevent similar incidents.
When asked about President Biden’s mental acuity, he described him as sharp, focused, and well-prepared.
On the topic of China, the Crown Prince acknowledged China’s role in facilitating the rapprochement with Iran and praised President Xi Jinping’s efforts for China’s benefit.
Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a shift towards diplomatic initiatives and the implementation of Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at overhauling the economy, creating job opportunities for the youth, and diversifying away from oil revenue.
The Crown Prince expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia would attract 100 million or even 150 million visitors by 2030.
Regarding criticisms of Saudi Arabia’s investments in sports as a form of “sportswashing,” Prince Mohammed remained unfazed and indicated that if such investments significantly boosted the kingdom’s GDP, and that they would continue.
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