Kuwait Reports: Saudi Minister Considering Oil Trade With Israel

 

KUNA news agency quotes Saudi petroleum minister saying his country would be willing to sell oil to any country that wants to buy it, not exclude Israel as potential client.

By Daniel Siryoti, News Agencies & Israel Hayom Staff

 

After years during which Israel and Saudi Arabia have been rumored to have low-key commercial ties, the two nations may soon engage in open trade relations.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia – Archive Photo: AFP

The Kuwaiti news agency KUNA on Tuesday quoted Saudi Petroleum Minister of Ali Al-Naimi as saying that as Riyadh is seeking to increase oil sales, it would be willing to sell oil to any country that wants to buy it, including Israel.

Speaking at a press conference held as part of an OPEC summit held in Vienna on Sunday, the minister said, “We do not hold a grudge against any nation and our leaders promote peace, religious tolerance and co-existence. His Majesty King Abdullah has always been a model for good relations between Saudi Arabia and other states — and the Jewish state is no exception.”

According to the report, Al-Naimi noted that for the most part, the Arab world acknowledges the Jewish state, and nothing is preventing his country from pursuing trade ties with Israel.

Foreign media recently reported that Israel defense officials, including Mossad Director Tamir Pardo, have traveled to Riyadh to meet with their Saudi counterparts.

 

View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=21871