Pact a globally significant matter, says Omar Ghobash
‘Most important thing is we do not operate on ideological grounds. We are pragmatic and we are driven by pragmatism,’ said the official
The agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalise their diplomatic relations is an example for the wisdom demanded by the current situation that all parties, including friends and foes, have to work together to solve pressing problems that threaten the very existence of humanity, according to a senior Emirati official.
“This development is a globally significant matter, not just between Israel and the UAE. Many of the problems can be solved by regional or global actors; friends and foes have to work together for that. COVID is an example for the necessity of such a global cooperation,” said Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Cultural Affairs.
Apart from the possible scientific and technological cooperation between both parties out of this agreement, what is important is decoupling of politics and other areas,” he told Emirates News Agency, WAM.
“We may politically disagree with our neighbours but yet can continue to cooperate with them in all other areas of mutual interest,” Ghobash stressed.
The joint statement revealed that the UAE and Israel would immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus.
Stopping the Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories is also the most important aspect of this agreement, he emphasised.
“This has given a very important opportunity to revive the two-state solution something a few days ago was not conceivable at all.”
“Moreover, the Israeli annexation plan was very dangerous and we have taken a bold step to stop it.
“It is a generous move to open up opportunities for Palestinians in the direction of a two-state solution,” Ghobash pointed out.
It is up to the Palestinians to grab this opportunity, he said.
About the reactions from the Arab world, he said it would be normal that some people may disagree with this development. “Most important thing is we do not operate on ideological grounds.
We are pragmatic and we are driven by pragmatism.
“We always address the problems to solve them. This approach is evident since the establishment of the Emirates,” Ghobash explained.
“This was done for the Palestinian people and because we stand with Palestinians. We wanted to open up the opportunity for the Palestinians towards a two-state solution,” he made it clear.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR PALESTINIANS: The agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalise their diplomatic relations has given an excellent opportunity for Palestinians, thanks to the guarantee given by the Unites States, according to an Emirati expert.
“Israel has agreed to stop the annexation of Palestinian territories. As Americans have given their guarantee [ to Israeli assurance] , of course, Palestinians can grab this opportunity and resume negotiations with Israel to find a permanent solution,” said Dr. Ebtesam Al Ketbi, President of the Abu Dhabi- based Emirates Policy Centre, EPC, a key intendent think- tank in the Middle East.
“If Palestinians are wise, they will use this. Otherwise there was no other opportunity to stop the Israeli annexation and resume negotiations for two- state solution,” she explained.
“Which other development [or agreement] has given such an opportunity for Palestinians in recent history?” Al Ketbi asked.
However, she has noticed that some countries with some vested interests are using their media machinery against the UAE.
“They try to forget the fact that the UAE is not the first Arab country that made diplomatic relations with Israel,” she pointed out.
Moreover, the countries opposing this deal are also hiding the fact that they had already made covert and overt relations with Israel, said the academic who has been providing decision makers in the UAE and the Gulf region with a complete and in- depth analyses of current events and developments.
Both Israel and the Arab countries can mutually benefit from the cooperation in advanced technology and related areas. “Arab nations have to be realistic to maximise their benefits out of this agreement,” Al Ketbi suggested.
Both parties can work together in many fields, especially in medicine, civilian nuclear energy,” she said.