Talks between US and Saudi on Israeli normalization have made “good progress”, Reuters reported last week, citing statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a press conference in Cairo. “We had a very good discussion about the work that we've been doing for many months now on normalization, and that work is moving forward. We're continuing to make good progress,” he said without providing a timeframe for a possible pact.

REMEMBER- Negotiations on normalization have been put on hold since October last year in the wake of the Israeli war on Gaza. Discussions have reportedly resumed in recent months, with officials here pushing for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state and an end to the crisis in Gaza as a prerequisite for any substantial progress for normalization of ties.

ICYMI- Blinken was in town prior to his trip to Cairo for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions included the normalization of ties along with the prospects of a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Also making headlines on the foreign policy front:

  • The Crown Prince extended his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a deadly terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue that killed at least 133 people, state news agency SPA reported yesterday.
  • Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman landed in Pakistan yesterday, to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional and global developments with his counterpart minister Khawaja Asif, state news agency SPA reports.
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