Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Israeli President Isaac Herzog aspects of cooperation under the Abraham Accords, signed by the two nations in 2020, and several regional and international issues of interest.
Herzog arrived Sunday on an official visit to the UAE and was received by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
An official reception was held for Herzog at the Qasr al-Watan in Abu Dhabi, where he met the Crown Prince.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Herzog and expressed his hope that this visit would advance the relations between the two countries to a higher level for the good of their peoples and the region.
The two sides also reviewed the prospects of growing cooperation at all levels, especially in the economic, trade, investment, development, technology, health, and other fields.
The meeting dealt with several regional and international issues of common interest, especially the efforts made to achieve peace, stability, and development in the Middle East.
Sheikh Mohammed thanked Herzog for Israel's position regarding the recent attacks on civil facilities in the UAE.
"Your position embodies our common vision toward the necessity of addressing the sources of threats to regional stability and peace, foremost of which is the militia and terrorist forces, and the importance of adopting a firm international stance against them," WAM quoted Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed indicated that the successive visits of Israeli officials to the UAE confirm that the relations are moving forward, and there is a common and strong will to strengthen them.
He added that the Abraham Accords is a significant turning point in history that embodies the UAE's belief in peace and opens fresh prospects for establishing bilateral partnerships, especially in technology, innovation, health, energy, and other fields.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his confidence that the two countries can present the region with a practical model of peace, and utilize resources and capabilities to create a better future for all.
The Crown Prince noted that Israel's participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the gains of this peace that will help deepen cooperation and partnership and identify mutual opportunities between Israel and the UAE.
"Our region is one of those that has suffered the most from wars and conflicts. Through peace, we, in the UAE, Israel, and the entire region, can direct resources and energies to serve our peoples and pave the way for a better tomorrow,” said the Crown Prince.
He stressed that reaching a permanent settlement for the Palestinian cause would represent a strong impetus for peace in the entire region, enhance cooperation in facing common challenges, and block the way for extremists and advocates of eternal conflict.
For his part, the Israeli President expressed his delight on his first visit to the UAE and meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.
He lauded the level of cooperation between the two countries and the advanced steps they are taking to build on the Abraham Accords.
Herzog noted that this visit means a lot to him and the people of Israel, who look forward to promoting peaceful coexistence and the peace agreement.
The President added that his visit is reflective of the vision toward peace that he's carrying forward to the entire region.
"We are both two successful countries; we have developed our nations and become a global model for success in many fields, foremost of which is how to lead and develop a country with an ambitious vision for the future," the Israeli President said.
He added that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundation for a bright future for the UAE.
"You [Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan] are following in his footsteps by continuing his legacy in a way that delivers a message to the entire region that there is an alternative, which is peace, coexistence, and cooperation for the higher good of mankind,” said Herzog.
"I fully agree with Your Highness that the message of peace is the cornerstone of our relationship and that we must strive for peace to achieve a better life, hope, and a peaceful future for the benefit of all in the region," he added.
He expressed Israel's keenness in developing cooperation with the UAE in all fields to serve their mutual interests and contribute to achieving stability and development for the peoples of the entire region.
