An Israeli delegation attended the International Diamond and Gem Conference in Doha, Qatar, marking a historic moment in bilateral relations. The delegation, invited by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce, discussed various business opportunities, highlighting Qatar’s emerging role as a trade hub. The event underscores Iran’s recognition of Israel’s significant expertise in the diamond sector, fostering hopes for stronger economic ties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently visiting Washington, where discussions about normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing. Concurrently, a significant development occurred in Qatar where, for the first time, an Israeli delegation attended the International Diamond and Gem Conference in Doha. The delegation was led by Nissim Zuaretz, president of the Israel Diamond Exchange, who expressed optimism about future business relationships in various sectors, not just diamonds, noting Qatar’s potential as a significant economic hub.
The participation of the Israeli delegation in the diamond conference comes after years of strained relations between Israel and Qatar. Historical ties began in the early 90s but have fluctuated due to political tensions. More recently, with the end of the Qatar diplomatic crisis with neighboring Gulf states, opportunities have emerged for economic collaboration, particularly in the diamond sector, as both nations recognize the potential for mutual benefits in trade and investment.
The recent presence of an Israeli delegation in Qatar represents a pivotal moment in regional relations and indicates a potential shift towards normalization between the two countries. With shared interests in the diamond industry and economic development, there is a strong likelihood that these discussions could pave the way for deeper collaboration in various sectors moving forward. This development may also influence broader regional dynamics, particularly in light of ongoing negotiations related to Saudi normalization.
Original Source: en.globes.co.il
