Top Bahraini diplomat to visit Israel in landmark trip

MANAMA

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani will pay his first official visit to Israel since his country established diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv in September.

According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), a high-level delegation headed by al-Zayani will fly on Wednesday to Tel Aviv.

The visit "will shed light on economic opportunities, bilateral agreements with Israel and endeavors aimed at achieving common interests," according to BNA.

There are no confirmed details about any visit by al-Zayani to Palestine.

On Sept. 15, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates agreed to establish full diplomatic, cultural and commercial relations with Israel after signing controversial agreements at the White House.

The deals have drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians, who say the accords ignore their rights and do not serve the Palestinian cause.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara