DUBAI: The peace accord between Israel and the UAE is a “courageous step” toward a more stable and prosperous Middle East, officials from the two countries and the US said.
The agreement reached earlier this month was cemented on Monday during a visit by an Israeli and American delegation to the Emirates.
On a historic day, the first commercial flight from Israel to the UAE landed in Abu Dhabi.
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Passengers on board included US President Donald Trump’s senior Middle East adviser Jared Kushner and Israel’s national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat.
“The accord reached between the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Aug. 13, 2020 is a courageous step toward a more stable, integrated and prosperous Middle East,” a joint statement from the three nations said.
“It carries with it the promise of new bridges that will serve to de-escalate existing conflicts and prevent future conflicts.”
The statement came shortly after Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said the UAE was committed to a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the deal to establish full relations with Israel in exchange for Israel removing the threat of annexing Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, was a sovereign decision in favor of peace.
“Peace is a strategic choice, but not at the expense of the Palestinian cause,” he said according to Al Arabiya.
In the joint statement, the UAE, Israel and the US urged Palestinian leaders to “reengage with their Israeli counterparts in discussions aimed at achieving peace.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the state-run Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Invest in Israel, part of the economy ministry, have agreed on bilateral investment cooperation, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Twitter on Tuesday.
It said a first meeting was held and “lays the foundation to explore mutually beneficial areas of collaboration,” adding they would focus on opportunities in innovation and technology.
“Enabling companies to establish and grow in Abu Dhabi, ADIO aims to ensure Israeli firms can tap into Abu Dhabi’s thriving business ecosystem,” the statement said.
On Tuesday, the parties will also discuss cooperation in investment, finance, health, space, aviation, foreign policy, and tourism and culture.
“The result will be broad cooperation between two of the region’s most innovative and dynamic economies,” the statement said.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited a delegation from the UAE to visit Israel.
“We will welcome them with a red carpet, like they welcomed us,” Netanyahu said.
Since the agreement was announced, Israel and the UAE have opened phone lines and held discussions between various ministries and officials.
On Saturday, the UAE abolished a boycott law, which means UAE companies and individuals can now trade directly with Israel.
In reaching the agreement, the UAE has become only the third Arab country to have relations with Israel after Egypt and Jordan.
