Palestinian officials have warmly welcomed their first Saudi Arabian ambassador. Ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi, who also serves as the current ambassador to Jordan, has been recognized by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi. This step signifies the strengthening of the bond between the two countries and peoples, as Saudi Arabia seeks to provide formal recognition and engagement across various domains.
Ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi’s appointment is notable as he will serve as a non-resident envoy in Jordan and also as a consul general in Jerusalem. This role reflects Saudi Arabia’s desire to enhance relations with Palestine and formalize its engagement across various sectors.
Majdi al-Khalidi expressed the significance of this occasion, highlighting the deep fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Palestine. He noted that the ambassador’s appointment underlines the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to fortify relations with the State of Palestine and bolster it in multiple dimensions.
Ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi conveyed his appreciation for the appointment, emphasizing that it reflects the aspirations of Saudi leadership to strengthen ties with Palestine and elevate their formal standing. This move sends a clear message of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
This appointment is viewed as a stepping stone toward the possibility of an official Saudi representation office in the occupied West Bank. Analysts suggest that the appointment signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the rights of Palestinians and their pursuit of full sovereignty.
The timing of this appointment coincides with discussions about normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. While various officials have mentioned the potential for normalization, challenges such as Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and Saudi nuclear development have been highlighted as potential obstacles.
Riyadh has reiterated its adherence to the Arab League’s longstanding stance, stating that it will not establish ties with Israel until the Palestinian conflict is resolved. Nevertheless, talks between Riyadh and Washington have taken place, outlining Saudi conditions for normalization, including security guarantees and assistance with a civilian nuclear program.
