Washington, United States — US secretary of state Antony Blinken has called for de-escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, while reiterating his country’s commitment to a two-state solution.
In a telephonic conversation with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Blinken urged calm during the coming holiday seasons across the Middle East region.
They discussed bilateral and regional issues, including “our shared commitment to peace in Yemen”, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement.
“The United States will continue to consult closely with partners on how to advance regional security, stability, and prosperity,” the statement said.
The UAE was the first Arab state to open diplomatic relations with Israel in almost three decades in a US-brokered deal, which also included Bahrain, known as the Abraham Accords. The UAE is also the first Arab country with whom Israel signed its first free trade agreement.
However, the newly established relations have come under strain after a series of moves by the far-right Israeli government infuriated the public in the Arab world and drew condemnation from the UAE.