Tel Aviv, Israel – Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid and the visiting UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in their meeting on Thursday explored the avenues of enhancing the UAE-Israeli relations as part of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement, signed in 2020.
They also reviewed issues of common interest, regional and international developments, and ways to enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
The Israeli premier welcomed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation, praising the privileged relations between the two countries.
Following the meeting Sheikh Abdullah said: “Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, just two years ago, I was honored to be part of the signing of our Abrahamic Accords representing my beloved country, the United Arab Emirates. I am sure that not only myself but many of us who attended the signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington D.C. did not expect at the time that after two years we will be with the Israeli Prime Minister celebrating our second year of warm bilateral relations, not only between the two states, but between the two peoples as well.”
He pointed out that about half a million Israelis visited the UAE during the past two years, adding that there are about 7 to 8 flights per day between the two countries.
The UAE foreign minister highlighted the growth in the volume of trade exchange between the UAE and Israel, expressing his belief that the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries may be the fastest FTA signed by Israel.
Israeli premier said his country celebrated the visit of a strategic partner to their country. “It’s a historic visit that will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries at various levels,” he said adding that the UAE and Israel have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to achieve prosperity and sustainable development for their peoples.