Jerusalem, 30 January, 2022 (TPS) — Israel’s President Isaac Herzog held on Sunday a diplomatic meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the first phase of his historic two-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The meeting was described by Herzog’s office as “warm and cordial” and it lasted over two hours.
Herzog stated Israel is “sending 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.”
Bin Zayed thanked Israel for its stance regarding the recent terrorist attacks on civilian facilities in the UAE by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
“It is a stance that demonstrates our common view of the threats to regional stability and peace, particularly those posed by militias and terrorist forces, as well as our shared understanding of the importance of taking a firm stance against them,” he stated.
“Through peace, we in the UAE, Israel and the wider region can direct resources and capabilities towards serving our nations and paving the way for a better tomorrow,” he added.
Herzog and his wife Michal were greeted with a majestic official welcoming ceremony at the royal palace. During the ceremony, the Israeli and Emirati national anthems were played, the delegations were presented to the leaders, and then the President reviewed the royal honor guard, which performed a 21-gun salute in his honor.
After their work meeting, the two leaders continued their meeting over lunch with the participation of Herzog’s delegation.
“This visit is an expression, of the vision and dream of peace and the spirit of peace, which we bring to the entire region,” Herzog stated.
“We are two successful nations who started with very little in our hands, developed our lands into a successful paradise and in many ways set an example to the world of how to lead and develop a nation with a vision of the future,” he added.
“This message of peace is the cornerstone of our relationship. And we are here to deliver a message both to Israelis and Emiratis and the region that the Abraham Accords should be continued and more nations should join us in this endeavor,” he said.
“Finally, I wish to emphasize that we completely support your security requirements and we condemn in all forms and language any attack on your sovereignty by terrorist groups. We are here together to find ways and means to bring full security to people who seek peace in our region,” he concluded.
Bin Zayed noted that Hezrog’s visit comes a short while after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was in the UAE. “This confirms that our relations are moving full steam ahead, and that there is a common and strong will to strengthen them for the benefit of our countries and peoples.”
“The Abraham Accords peace agreement was a major historical shift that embodied the approach to peace that the UAE believes in, and it has paved the way towards strengthening our partnerships, particularly in the areas of technology, innovation, health, energy, and others,” he said.