First UAE ambassador to Israel presents credentials
Israeli Defence Force orchestra plays UAE anthem at ceremony
The Abrahamic Treaty will remain a shining beacon in human history for all peaceloving people, as one that has created a new reality…”
Mohammad Al Khaja | UAE Ambassador to Israel
The UAE’s Ambassador to Israel arrived in Tel Aviv yesterday and presented his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, a historic move that follows last year’s landmark agreement between the countries to normalise relations under the Abraham Accords.
“Today, I had the honor of presenting my credentials to HE Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel, as the first UAE Ambassador to the State of Israel. I look forward to representing my beloved country and working to strengthen cooperation and relations between our two countries,” Ambassador Mohammad Al Khaja said in a message that he tweeted in Arabic, English and Hebrew.
Al Khaja delivered his credentials to Rivlin at a ceremony in Jerusalem, with the Israeli Defence Force orchestra playing the UAE anthem.
“The entire Israeli people welcomes you with joy,” Rivlin said in Arabic to Al Khaja.
In a brief speech at the ceremony, Al Khaja said he would “work tirelessly to strengthen the political ties between our two countries, in the service of our peoples and regional stability”.
“The Abrahamic Treaty will remain a shining beacon in human history for all peace-loving people, as one that has created a new reality… Today, the two countries have a common goal, which is to bring peace and security to the region and to spread a spirit of optimism and hope among our people,” he said.
Key meetings
Earlier, Al Khaja also met Gabi Ashkenazi, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ashkenazi wished Al Khaja success in his “historic mission” and said: “This is a significant milestone in relations between our countries.”
Al Khaja tweeted that he also met Alon Ushpiz, director-general of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Haim Regev, director of the Middle East Division.