Web Report
The UAE and Bahrain on September 15 signed agreements for normalising relations with Israel, becoming the latest Arab states to normalise ties with Israel.
US President Trump hosted the ceremony at the White House ceremony, capping a dramatic month when first the UAE and then Bahrain agreed to normalise ties with Israel.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel is a historic diplomatic breakthrough and a hopeful indication that progress in the Middle East region is possible.
According to media reports, UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah stated that the progress on Palestinian statehood is also central to the Abraham Accord signed on September 15.
The UAE-Israel agreement stopped annexation, he said, adding that the Palestinian leadership should use this moment to reorganise its approach and get ready to re-engage in productive talks. He assured that they, as always, will have his country’s full support, now carried with more weight directly to Israel. He mentioned that the pace and scope of normalisation won’t be disconnected from progress on Palestinian statehood and rights.
“Normalising diplomatic ties between the UAE and Israel is a historic breakthrough and it is also a hopeful sign that progress in the Middle East region is possible. A week ago came an announcement that Bahrain would also normalise relations with Israel. This is an opportunity for a new approach to tackling the Middle East region’s challenges. It also elevates opportunity as well as optimism over conflict and defeatism.
“The signing of the peace accord is the virtuous response. It is a disruptive reminder that Emiratis and Israelis, and all the people of the Middle East region, are tired of conflict. Now, the priority is to go further to modernise our societies and to stabilise the broader region. Better relations between Arab states and with Israel will help, but we must go further and faster on other fronts as well.
“The first and most urgent priority is to de-escalate tensions and begin a regional talks on peace and security issues. We need normal neighbours. Effective and verifiable non-proliferation and non-interference pacts are the goal. But with expectations so low and the stakes so high, even modest progress on different issues like humanitarian help and COVID-19 response would build confidence.
