Railway link of Israel with GCC Arab countries underway: FM Katz

Railway link of Israel with GCC Arab countries underway, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference.

Railway link of Israel with GCC

While addressing the conference yesterday, he disclose the project aimed at connecting with the GCC Arab monarchies.

Accord with GCC

He also called for advancing Israel’s relations with the GCC. Specially, he disclosed he was working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on “non-belligerency agreements”.

He further asserted that the Israeli regime has “no conflict with the (Persian) Gulf (GCC) states, and we have common interests in the field of security” against what he termed as the Iranian threat “as well as in developing many joint, civilian initiatives.”

Israel eyes GCC help

The FM Katz noted Israeli capabilities in many areas, including hi-tech, innovation, agriculture and water technology. He said these can help the (Persian) Gulf (GCC) states.

However, he also cited many capabilities with which GCC also can help Israel. Israel remains ready to promote cooperation in the region.

“Tracks for Regional Peace”

The so-called Israeli “Tracks for Regional Peace” railway project aims to connect the GCC countries through Jordan.

Saudi Arabia also included

Reportedly, Israeli plans include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in this railway link.

Back in November 2018, Katz, then Israeli transport minister, attended the International Road Transport Union (IRU) World Congress in the Omani capital city of Muscat.  There he first shared that plan.

Israel GCC trade

According Tony Blair Institute for Global Change’s study in August 2018, Israel’s trade with GCC states stand at around $1 billion annually.