Saudi Arabia denies reports of official visiting Israel

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that an official visited Israel.

In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the news had “absolutely and categorically no truth”.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been open in its dealings and communications, and has nothing to conceal in this regard,” according to the statement.

A ministry spokesperson called on the media to “seek accuracy and truth in their reports” and said the objectives and parties behind the rumours were “well known”.

Saudi Arabia’s relations with Israel are said to be growing behind the scenes due to their common opposition to Iran.

However, officials still express opposition publicly to Israeli actions in relation to Palestine and expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

In June, Saudi Arabian Airlines dismissed a social media rumour that one of its flights landed in Israel after a picture was claimed to show one of its flights landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Read: Saudia denies rumours that its flight landed in Tel Aviv

The next month it was reported that Israel was seeking to persuade Saudi Arabia to allow Israeli Muslims to fly directly to the kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Read: Israel seeks directs flights to Saudi for pilgrims – report