Israeli president meets UAE crown prince in first-ever state visit
Jerusalem, Jan 30 (EFE).- Israel’s president Isaac Herzog Sunday met the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the first-ever visit to the Gulf country by an Israeli head of state.
“Grateful to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for the warm welcome and hospitality at his palace,” Herzog wrote on Twitter.
“The Middle East has entered a new era thanks to the Crown Prince and other leaders’ wise and brave decision to normalize ties. We discussed future of Israel and UAE’s bold new partnership,” he added.
In a statement by his office, Herzog said the historic visit and normalization of ties was “a message to the entire region that there is an alternative of peace and living together, and that the sons and daughters of Abraham can reside and dwell together in peaceful coexistence for the benefit of humanity.”
During his two-day trip, Herzog will meet UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed and vice president and prime minister Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, among others.
The Israeli leader is also scheduled to open Israel’s National Day at Expo 2020 in Dubai on Monday and meet with representatives from the Jewish community there.
Last month, Naftali Bennett became the first Israeli premier to set foot in the Arab country in a visit he said was meant to “deepen cooperation between the countries in all fields.”
“The ties are excellent and diverse and we must continue to nurture and strengthen them, and build a warm peace between the two nations,” he added.
In 2020, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan signed US-brokered accords to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.EFE
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