Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2022

July 15, 2022

Saudi Arabia's historic decision to open its airspace for all civilian planes, including those flying to and from Israel, is an important step towards building a more integrated and stable Middle East region. While this opening has long been discussed, now, thanks to months of steady diplomacy between my administration and Saudi Arabia, it is finally a reality.

Today I will be the first President of the United States to fly from Israel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As we mark this important moment, Saudi Arabia's decision can help build momentum toward Israel's further integration into the region, including with Saudi Arabia. I will do all that I can, through direct diplomacy and leader-to-leader engagement, to keep advancing this groundbreaking process.

Categories: Statements by the President : Saudi Arabia, decision to open airspace to Israel.

Subjects: Foreign policy, U.S. : Diplomatic efforts, expansion; Israel : Saudi airspace, opening to all civilian carriers for flights to and from; Middle East : Arab-Israeli conflict, peace process; Saudi Arabia : Israel, opening airspace to civilian carriers for flights to and from; Saudi Arabia : Relations with U.S.

DCPD Number: DCPD202200625.

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