In this May 24, 2020 photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cabinet meeting of the new government at Chagall State Hall in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in Jerusalem. (Abir Sultan / AFP)

JERUSALEM / UNITED NATIONS - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday evening praised the normalization of relations between Israel and Sudan that was announced a day earlier.

In a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that an Israeli delegation will visit Sudan later this week to finalize the agreement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday expressed the hope that the agreement between Israel and Sudan to normalize relations will create opportunities for peace and prosperity in the wider regions, said his spokesman

"This is a major change. Israel was completely isolated and is now connecting to the entire world," said Netanyahu. "This is a result of a clear policy, not luck or coincidence."

The agreement between Sudan and Israel comes as part of recent breakthroughs. Israel has established relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The agreements were brokered by the United States. The Palestinians have slammed these peace deals.

"We are changing the map of the Middle East," the Israeli prime minister said, adding that more countries are expected to sign similar agreements with Israel in the near future.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday expressed the hope that the agreement between Israel and Sudan to normalize relations will create opportunities for peace and prosperity in the wider regions, said his spokesman.

The secretary-general took note of the announcement of the agreement by the governments of the United States, Israel and Sudan.

ALSO READ: Israel, Sudan reach accord as Netanyahu signals deal on F-35s

 He hoped the agreement will further cooperation, enhance economic and trade relations, and bring about new opportunities to advance peace and economic prosperity in the wider Horn of Africa and Middle East regions, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Sudan's efforts to achieve socio-economic recovery, stability and prosperity for all people in Sudan and the wider region, said the statement.

READ MORE: Israel, Bahrain formalize ties at ceremony in Manama

With inputs from Reuters