UAE crown prince meets Israeli president during landmark visit
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed Israeli President Isaac Herzog in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. Herzog is the first Israeli head of state to visit the Gulf country
- In 2020, the UAE and Bahrain became the first Gulf countries to establish diplomatic relations with Israel through US-brokered pacts
The United Arab Emirates’ de facto ruler on Sunday discussed cooperation and regional issues with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the first Israeli head of state to visit the Gulf country.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, welcomed Herzog in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and hoped that his visit would contribute to advancing ties between the two countries, the Emirates’ official news agency WAM reported.
The two sides also reviewed prospects of “growing cooperation at all levels,” as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially efforts to achieve peace, stability and development in the Middle East, the agency said.
In 2020, the UAE and Bahrain became the first Gulf countries to establish diplomatic relations with Israel through US-brokered pacts.
Until then, only two Arab states, neighbouring Egypt and Jordan, had maintained diplomatic relations with Israel.
Sheikh Mohammed said on Sunday that successive visits by Israeli officials to the UAE affirm relations are moving forward and that “there is a common and strong will to strengthen them.”
He also expressed confidence that the UAE and Israel could present to the whole region a “practical model to reap the fruits of peace,” WAM reported.
“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 serving our peoples and paving the way for a better tomorrow,” he said.