United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the stability of the region can only be fully realized by finding a solution to the Palestinian issue.
"This solution must meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, including establishing an independent state,” the Emirati FM said during an official reception held in Tel Aviv by Mohamed Al Khaja, UAE Ambassador to Israel, in the presence of President Isaac Herzog of the State of Israel.
He then stressed that his country will continue to support all peaceful initiatives that aim to facilitate the fulfillment of these hopes.
Sheikh Abdullah had arrived on an official 5-day visit to Tel Aviv to mark two years since the UAE and Israel signed the Abraham Accords.
“The Abraham Accords were based on a simple premise: that diplomacy and communication would promote greater stability, prosperity, and hope. Today, we can say with great confidence that the premise was correct,” he said.
Sheikh Abdullah also noted: “We are building a brighter future together by expanding opportunities for our peoples, and people across the region.”
He stressed that his country’s founding principles of coexistence, tolerance and inclusiveness form the basis of its vision for a more peaceful and prosperous region.
"Over the last 5 decades, we have become home to more than 200 nationalities, and we have recently welcomed a growing number of Israeli tourists, students and entrepreneurs, reaching about half a million visitors. This has bolstered our people-to-people ties, strengthening the human dimension to our relationship,” the Emirati FM added.
Thursday’s reception was also attended by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in addition to a number of senior officials from Arab, Gulf and foreign countries, along with officials from a number of international organizations.
"Two years ago, on the 15th of September 2020, my country charted a new path for the region. The signing of the Abraham Accords led to the thriving and dynamic relationship our countries enjoy today,” he said, adding that the two sides must continue building on this strong foundation to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah said the Abraham Accords are also a gateway to solving global issues such as climate change, science and technology, healthcare, food and water insecurity, and much more.
During his visit to Tel Aviv, the Emirati FM also held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, and the two men explored the avenues of enhancing the UAE-Israeli relations as part of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement, signed in 2020.
"This is a historic visit of a regional leader that will advance the regional architecture we have been building this past year in the Middle East. This is a visit of a strategic partner that will strengthen economic and security ties between our countries,” Lapid said during a joint press conference with Sheikh Abdullah.
He added that this is a visit of a close and dear friend, “with whom I can talk about everything.”
The Emirati Minister also offered a tribute to the lives of the victims of the Holocaust when he visited the Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust remembrance center.
