Gargash: We have ambitious plans for peace
Gargash: UAE-Israel accord will bring a shift towards de-escalation in the region
The signing of the Abraham Accord between the UAE and Israel will shift the regional dynamics for the better, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash said in a response to a question by Gulf News during a virtual press conference yesterday.
“Rather than answering you with countries, I will answer you with values. The accord will bring a shift towards de-escalation in the region. [It will bring about] the understanding that the polarisation has been disastrous. It is not a bad thing to dream, aspire. But we have to work very hard to realise these goals.”
‘Psychological barrier’
The decision to normalise relations with Israel, Gargash noted, had “broken the psychological barrier” and was “the way forward” for the region, creating more leverage for the UAE. He said the UAE is very positive this historic accord will bring results that it would like to see. On the bilateral sphere, one of the major drivers of the accord, will make the UAE more competitive. The accord will help UAE become a global player in terms of breaking taboos and walls.
Dr Gargash said the presence of the United States as a mediator of the deal to normalise relations with Israel assures him that the suspension of further annexation of Palestinian lands will hold.
2002 Arab Initiative
Commenting on the 2002 Arab Peace initiative, he said it was not the time to revise it and that it remains the cornerstone of the UAE’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. “The Arab Peace Initiative remains at the heart of our collective efforts to reach a solution. Our goals have not changed when it comes to the Palestinian issue. The suspension of annexation is a clear deliverable. Once the dust settles, the Palestinians
The Arab Peace Initiative remains at the heart of our collective efforts to reach a solution. Once the dust settles, the Palestinians will understand and appreciate that having a functioning relationship... will put us in a better place to help the Palestinians.”
Dr Anwar Gargash
| UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
will understand and appreciate that having a functioning relationship ... will put us in a better place to support and help the Palestinians.”
Way forward
“There are no border or territorial or water issues here [between the UAE and Israel]. So we will move faster [on issues like] establishing embassies and consulates. We seek to sign double taxation agreement, protection of investment agreement, we seek air services agreement to regularise air services between UAE and Israel. We have ambitious plans to build a constructive peace.”