Palestinian President Abbas visits Saudi Arabia to ‘strengthen’ relations
Abbas’ visit follows reports in regional media that a Hamas delegation was going to visit the kingdom.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The visit comes at an important time in the kingdom’s posture vis a vis both Israel and the Palestinians.
Abbas was received in the Saudi city of Jeddah by Prince Badr bin Sultan Al Saud and will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on Tuesday. The two will discuss the Palestinian cause and ways to strengthen Saudi-Palestinian relations, according to the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) official WAFA news outlet.
The official Saudi Press Agency also confirmed Abbas’ visit.
Why it matters: Abbas’ visit comes at the height of Saudi diplomacy on set of regional issues including ending the Yemen war, engaging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and opening to Iran. It is also indicative of improved relations with the PA.
