When it comes to relations between Israel and the Moslem countries of the Middle East, not all is bad news. Iran and Qatar are quietly developing relations with the (SO CALLED:)"Zionist entity", in the fields of business and sport.
A powerful Iranian businessman, and a friend of the Iranian leader Mohammad Khatami, was recently in Israel, reports Global Jewish Agenda, for meetings with unnamed Israeli VIPs. The purpose of the visit was reportedly to explore the possibility of re-opening the Eilat-Ashkelon oil pipeline, which is jointly owned by the governments of Israel and Iran. According to the Jewish Agency news bulletin, “It was agreed that the Iranian company would load the oil onto its tankers, which would go to Eilat, and from there the oil would flow to Ashkelon for marketing throughout Europe.” The Iranian oil man also reportedly explored possible business relationships with Israeli companies.
Meanwhile, the Arab emirate of Qatar, on the Persian Gulf coast, has invited Israel to participate in a sports exhibition in the country. The exhibition opened last month and is being hosted in the emirate preparation for the Asian Games in 2006, which will also be hosted by Qatar. The exhibition hosts booths from around the world, displaying products, information and services in the fields of security, communications, sports medicine, and environmental technology. According to Global Jewish Agenda, the Israel Export Institute, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, has an Israel booth at the exhibition.
