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'At least five more' Middle East countries to sign peace deals with Israel, Trump says

Saudi Arabia is expected to be among the next group of Arab countries normalise relations  

Justin Vallejo
New York
Friday 23 October 2020 21:44 BST
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At least five more' Middle East countries to sign peace deals with Israel, Trump says
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Donald Trump said at least five additional countries planned on signing a peace deal with Israel following announcements with Sudan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

During an Oval Office summit with the prime ministers of Israel and Sudan to outline the latest treaty, Mr Trump said Saudi Arabia would be among the Middle East countries to follow.

"We have at least five that want to come in," Mr Trump told reporters in the White House.

"We expect Saudi Arabia will be one of those countries," he added, praising the "highly respected" rulers King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mr Trump said a signing ceremony, likely including Saudi Arabia, would be held within weeks.

While Mr Trump said “really good progress” was being made with Armenia and Azerbaijan, he would not confirm if he had already spoken to their leaders.

"We're talking about it, we're working with Armenia, we have a very good relationship with Armenia," said Mr Trump .

The president further to suggest Iran would join and be involved in some way, if not in an official deal at least with improved relations.

“If we win the election, one of the first calls I get will be from Iran. Let’s make a deal. One of the first calls I get,” he said.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they were rapidly expanding the "circle of peace". 

“It is a new world,” he said over the phone. “We are cooperating with everyone. Building a better future for all of us.”

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