UAE, Israel agree on historic deal to establish diplomatic ties

The UAE has reached a historic agreement to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, the countries announced on Thursday.

The deal, which was signed between the UAE, Israel and the US, will see Israel stop the annexation of Palestinian territories, confirmed Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on Twitter.

“The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship.”

During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 13, 2020

US President Donald Trump said the deal will facilitate peace in the Middle East.

HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020

According to a joint statement published by the White House, delegations from Israel and the UAE will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements on investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecoms, energy, healthcare, culture, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.

“This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region,” it said.

Joint Statement of the United States, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates pic.twitter.com/oVyjLxf0jd

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020

The two countries will also “immediately expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus”, the statement said.

This normalization of relations and peaceful diplomacy will bring together two of America’s most reliable and capable regional partners.

Today’s agreement will lead to better lives for the peoples of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and the region.

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 13, 2020

The deal is a “significant” step towards peace in the Middle East, Trump told reporters at the White House.