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Pompeo urges Riyadh to consider normalizing ties with Israel
Top US diplomat thanks Saudi Arabia for its aid 'in the success of the Abraham Accords so far'
US State Secretary Mike Pompeo urged Saudi Arabia Wednesday to consider establishing a formal diplomatic relationship with Israel.
As cited by Reuters, Pompeo said that he brought up the so-called Abraham Accords, a US-brokered document setting the state for Israel-UAE and Israel-Bahrain normalizations, at a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
“We hope Saudi Arabia will consider normalizing its relationships as well, and we want to thank them for the assistance they’ve had in the success of the Abraham Accords so far,” Pompeo said, as quoted by the agency.
The top US diplomat also expressed his hope that the Saudi leadership could instrumentalize its influence with the Palestinians to set off new talks between Jerusalem and Ramallah.
Pompeo hailed the Abraham Accords, saying they "reflect a changing dynamic in the region," with Middle East nations wary of the need to cooperate in the face of Iranian aggression -- and for the sake of regional prosperity.
Earlier this week, the Israeli government officially endorsed the nation's peace treaty with the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement is set to stand for a vote in the Knesset (Israel Parliament) Thursday.