Following an announcement Sunday that Bahrain and the United States will host an economic leadership "workshop" to "share ideas, discuss strategies, and galvanize support for potential economic investments and initiatives that could be made possible by [the upcoming U.S.] peace agreement," the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have announced that they will send delegations to participate.
"The UAE supports all international efforts aimed at supporting economic progress and increasing opportunities in the region, and alleviating the suffering of people in the region, particularly our brothers in Palestine," the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The UAE reiterates its support for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," the ministry said.
The Saudi Press Agency confirmed the participation of Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Mohammed bin Mazid Al-Tuwaijri on Sunday, saying in a statement that "His Excellency's participation is in continuation of Saudi Arabia's firm and supportive positions for the Palestinian people," with the goal of "achieving [for them] stability, growth and decent living. And achieving general security, stability and prosperity in the region."
The "Peace to Prosperity" summit is scheduled for June 25-26 and will mark the first phase of the roll-out of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestinian Authority Minister Ahmed Majdalani told Reuters that the PA would not be sending a representative, but some reports indicate that private Palestinian representatives will attend.
"Any Palestinian who would take part would be nothing but a collaborator for the Americans and Israel," said Majdalani.
According to a Times of Israel report, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is also slated to attend.
This article is reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
