Saudi Arabia has refused to sign a document that would guarantee free access to all UNESCO members for the World Heritage Committee’s meeting in September. The main issue preventing Saudi Arabia from signing the document is the question of allowing Israeli officials to enter the country with Western diplomats and senior UNESCO holding talks with Saudi government about the "host country agreement" and stating that Israel is the primary sticking point.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly taking a cautious approach to normalisation with Israel, according to a recent report. If the kingdom agrees to allow Israeli representatives to enter the country, it would mark the first time officials from Israel are allowed to officially and publicly enter Saudi Arabia.
However, if the Saudi Arabia refuses, the event would be scheduled to a different country.
In March last year, Saudi Arabia effectively blocked the participation of an Israeli delegation headed by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in a conference of the UN tourism organisation by stalling on issuing their visas and discussing security arrangements.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. As per it’s website; It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
