US, Israel, UAE issue joint statement on Israel-UAE relations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has, on its official website, published a United States-Israel-UAE joint statement on the full normalization of Israel-UAE relations.

US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince & UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke on the phone Thursday and agreed to the full normalization of Israel-UAE relations.

The UAE is a sovereign state in Western Asia. The absolute monarchy is a federation of seven emirates consisting of Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language of the UAE. The country is one of the most wealthy states in the world today.

“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,” reads the statement. “All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today’s historic achievement.”

Israeli delegation will meet with that of the UAE’s soon to sign a variety of agreements.

“Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit,” adds the statement. “Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.”

Instead of declaring sovereignty over areas pointed out in President Trump’s Vision for Peace, Israel will focus on bettering relations with the rest of the Islamic world.

The joint statement says, “As a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.”

The document later says that the parties will keep on working towards achieving “a just, comprehensive and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

It adds, “As set forth in the Vision for Peace, all Muslims who come in peace may visit and pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque, and Jerusalem’s other holy sites should remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.”