His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, discussed aspects of cooperation with His Excellency Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, in light of the "Abraham Peace Agreement" signed by the two countries in 2020. This discussion took place during a meeting held at the Qasr Al Watan (Palace of the Nation) in Abu Dhabi.
At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness welcomed the visiting president and expressed his hope that this visit would contribute to advancing the relations between the two countries for the benefit of their people and the people of the region. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and the President of Israel reviewed the available opportunities for developing cooperation at all levels, especially in economic, commercial, investment, developmental areas, as well as in technology, health, and others, to achieve mutual interests and aspirations for broader horizons of fruitful cooperation.
The meeting also addressed several regional and international issues of common interest, particularly efforts to achieve peace, stability, and development in the Middle East for the benefit and prosperity of its peoples. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed his gratitude to the Israeli president for his country's stance on the recent terrorist attacks on civilian facilities in the UAE, describing it as a reflection of their shared vision regarding sources of threats to regional stability and peace, particularly from militias and terrorist forces, and the necessity to confront them with a firm international stance.
He noted that the successive visits of Israeli officials to the UAE indicate that the relations between the two countries are continuously progressing and that there is a strong shared will to enhance them for the benefit of both nations and their peoples. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed stated that the "Abraham Accord" represents a significant historical turning point, embodying the peace approach that the UAE believes in and opening the door to enhancing their developmental partnerships, particularly in technology, innovation, health, energy, and more.
He expressed confidence that the two countries could present a practical model of the benefits of peace to the entire region and how resources, capabilities, and intellect can be directed to create a better future for everyone. He mentioned that the participation of Israel in "Expo 2020 Dubai" is one of the fruits of this peace and will help deepen cooperation and partnership and identify mutual opportunities between Israel and the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized that their region is one of the most affected by wars and conflicts, and through peace, they in the UAE, Israel, and the entire region can direct resources and energies to serve their peoples and pave the way for a better tomorrow. He affirmed that reaching a permanent settlement for the Palestinian issue would provide a strong impetus for peace throughout the region and enhance cooperation in facing common challenges while obstructing the paths of extremists and proponents of eternal conflict, praying for peace to prevail in the Middle East.
For his part, the President of Israel expressed his happiness with his first visit to the UAE and his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, praising the level of cooperation between the two countries and the advanced steps they are taking to build on the Abraham Agreement. He also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received, stating that this visit means a lot to him and to the people of Israel, who look forward to continuing to enhance peaceful coexistence and the peace agreement between the two countries.
He added that his visit to the UAE represents a vision of peace he brings to the entire region, stating that they are two successful countries that have developed their nations into global models of success across many fields, primarily how to lead and advance a country with an ambitious vision towards the future. He noted that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundation for a bright future for the UAE, and that this legacy is now being continued, sending a message to the whole region that there is an alternative of peace, coexistence, and cooperation for the good of all humanity.
President Isaac Herzog stated, "I completely agree with you that the message of peace is the cornerstone of our relationship, and we must strive for peace to achieve a better life, hope, and a future filled with peace for the benefit of everyone in the region." He mentioned his upcoming visit to the "Expo 2020 Dubai" to attend Israel's National Day celebration in the Israel Pavilion, calling it "the most wonderful experience, which everyone is talking about."
He stated that Israel is keen to develop bilateral cooperation with the UAE in all areas to serve their mutual interests and contribute to achieving stability and development for all the peoples of the region. The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and several other dignitaries, alongside the accompanying delegation of the Israeli president.
