UAE, Israel normalise ties in ‘historic’ agreement
The UAE seeks to build upon previous regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a solution to this conflict, says Gargash
VP praises AD CP’S efforts; Israel agrees to stop annexation of Palestinian lands; huge breakthrough, says Trump; Sisi, Johnson praise deal; freeze on Palestinian territory annexation a major achievement: Gargash; Strategic Agenda for Middle East to be launched.
President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke on Thursday and agreed to the full normalisation of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.
Sheikh Mohammed said on Twiter, “History is writen by men, and peace is made by the brave.”
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed tweeted, “During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and seting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship.”
The agreement was first announced by Donald Trump on Twiter. “HUGE breakthrough” Trump tweeted on Thursday, calling it a “Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends.”
This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region. All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from the historic achievement.
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and Netanyahu expressed their deep appreciation to Trump for his dedication to peace in the region and to the pragmatic and unique approach he has taken to achieve it.
President of Egypt Abdel Fatah Al Sisi welcomed the joint statement issued by the United States, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel.
Al Sisi wrote on his Twiter account, “I followed with great interest the joint statement of the brotherly United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the State of Israel on the agreement to halt Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories and on taking steps to achieve peace in the Middle East.”
The Egyptian president also praised the efforts made by all parties for the agreement to bring about regional prosperity and stability.
“The UAE has secured Israel’s commitment to halting the annexation of Palestinian territories in order to sustain efforts to achieve a two-state solution. This decisive freeze on the annexation of Palestinian territories is a significant diplomatic achievement and comes in furtherance of the UAE’S belief that establishing normal relations with Israel will enable it to play a direct and constructive role in enhancing the region’s security and stability,” Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said in a statement.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also welcomed the agreement between the UAE and Israel.
“The UAE and Israel’s decision to normalise relations is hugely good news,” Johnson said on Twiter.
“It was my profound hope that annexation did not go ahead in the West Bank and today’s (Thursday’s) agreement to suspend those plans is a welcome step on the road to a more peaceful Middle East.”
Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said it was “time for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, the only route to lasting peace.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the deal. “This is a remarkable achievement for two of the world’s most forward leaning, technologically advanced states, and reflects their shared regional vision of an economically integrated region,” he said in a statement. “It also illustrates their commitment to confronting common threats, as small — but strong — nations.” He added: “Blessed are the peacemakers. Mabruk and Mazal Tov.”
Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit. Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.
Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said in a statement following a three-way telephone conversation between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; US President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The United Arab Emirates has secured Israel’s commitment to halting the annexation of Palestinian territories in order to sustain efforts to achieve a two-state solution. This decisive freeze on the annexation of Palestinian territories is a significant diplomatic achievement and comes in furtherance of the UAE’S belief that establishing normal relations with Israel will enable it to play a direct and constructive role in enhancing the region’s security and stability,” Dr Anwar Gargash said.
In this context, he added, “The UAE seeks to build upon previous regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a solution to this conflict in reflection of the UAE’S multilateral approach to sensitive regional issues. The United States played a key role in this pragmatic step by the UAE, affirming its continued commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative and the rights of the Palestinian people to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Moreover, this agreement fosters opportunities for cooperation in several sectors, including in the economic, cultural, scientific, and technological fields to bolster the region’s prosperity, he went on to say.
“In view of these developments, the UAE calls for a return to direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians as the sole parties capable of reaching a permanent and sustainable solution to this conflict,” Dr. Anwar concluded.
As a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world. The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are confident that additional diplomatic breakthroughs with other nations are possible, and will work together to achieve this goal.
The United Arab Emirates and Israel will immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus. Working together, these efforts will help save Muslim, Jewish, and Christian lives throughout the region.
This normalisation of relations and peaceful diplomacy will bring together two of America’s most reliable and capable regional partners. Israel and the United Arab Emirates will join with the United States to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation. Along with the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates share a similar outlook regarding the threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a shared commitment to promoting stability through diplomatic engagement, increased economic integration, and closer security coordination. Today’s agreement will lead to beter lives for the peoples of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and the region.
The United States and Israel recall with gratitude the appearance of the United Arab Emirates at the White House reception held on Jan.28, 2020, at which Trump presented his Vision for Peace, and express their appreciation for United Arab Emirates’ related supportive statements. The parties will continue their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive and enduring resolution to the Israeli-palestinian conflict. As set forth in the Vision for Peace, all Muslims who come in peace may visit and pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque, and Jerusalem’s other holy sites should remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.
SUDAN ON RIGHT PATH: Dr Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has underlined the depth of the UAESudan relations, and the strong bonds between their peoples.
Gargash made the statements as he atended yesterday the 8th meeting of the Friends of Sudan Group, which was held via video conference and chaired by Saudi Arabia in the presence of representatives of 25 countries.