President outlines path to stability in call with Netanyahu

President Sheikh Mohamed received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday.

During the conversation, Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the UAE’s determination to pursue a path towards “peace and stability” in the region.

He affirmed the UAE’s commitment to cementing its diplomatic ties with Israel, which were formally established through the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020.

He said bilateral relations with Israel were part of a strategic approach to peace and development, which he described as an aspiration for the entire region, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed said the Abraham Accords provided an effective framework to enhance links between the nations. He emphasised collaborations across several sectors and fields.

He spoke of the UAE-Israel Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect on April 1, and shared ambitions to deliver a successful Cop 28 in the UAE this year.

He said the UAE would work with Israel, fellow Arab nations and international partners to avoid regional escalation and advance a path to peace and stability.

The UAE and Israel have strengthened partnerships in a variety of fields since signing the Abraham Accords in Washington.

The Emirates opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in July 2021, months after Mohammed Al Khaja was sworn in as ambassador to Israel by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog paid a two-day visit to the UAE in January.

During his stay, he spoke about supporting peace and building partnerships with new friends.

Also in January, the UAE announced it would teach about the Holocaust in its schools for the first time, a move welcomed by the Israeli government and Jewish community groups.