US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in UAE

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has arrived in the UAE as part of a wider Middle East tour, Reuters has reported.

Pompeo’s visit follows a US-brokered deal between Israel and the UAE to normalise ties and further peace in the region.

The deal will see Israel stop the annexation of Palestinian territories, confirmed Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Read: UAE, Israel agree on historic deal to establish diplomatic ties

A plethora of agreements between companies of the two nations have since been announced across the healthcare, research and other sectors.

Emirati company APEX National Investment signed a strategic commercial agreement with the Israeli TeraGroup to research and study the Covid-19 virus.

Read: UAE, Israeli companies agree to jointly combat Covid-19 and develop testing device

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSSC) also signed a MoU with Israeli firm Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. to collaborate on R&D of services and products related to regenerative medicine.

Read more: UAE and Israel sign agreement to cooperate on stem cell research

Meanwhile, Israir Airlines Ltd. has started the process of applying for a landing permit in the UAE.

However, Saudi Arabia has confirmed that it plans to stick to the Arab peace plan signed in 2002 with regards to its relations with Israel, which outlines normalised relations between the countries only after the latter withdraws from the Palestinian territories.

Read: Saudi will stick to 2002 Arab peace plan – foreign minister

Also read: Israel asks UAE Crown Prince to visit as peace moves intensify