ABU DHABI 13 September 2020: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the decision by the Kingdom of Bahrain to establish relations with Israel.
In a statement on Friday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation commended the move, expressing its hope that establishing relations would have a positive effect on the climate for peace and cooperation regionally and internationally.
The ministry also noted that the move represents a significant step towards an era of security and prosperity, underscoring that it would expand the scope of economic, cultural, scientific, and diplomatic avenues of cooperation, said official news agency Wam.
King of Bahrain holds phone call with US President, with participation of Israeli Premier
MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, received a phone call from US President Donald Trump with the participation of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During the call, King Hamad stressed the need to reach a just and comprehensive peace as a strategic option, in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
The Bahraini King praised the pivotal role and steady efforts of the US Administration to advance the peace process, establish security and stability in the Middle East and strengthen international peace.
According to the Bahrain News Agency, President Trump extended an invitation to Bahrain to participate in the signing ceremony of the peace agreement that will be held at the White House between the United Arab Emirates and Israel on September 15.
Following the call, the following joint statement was issued:
“President Donald J. Trump, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel today spoke and agreed to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East. Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and the prosperity in the region.
The United States expresses its gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the historic Peace to Prosperity workshop in Manama on June 25, 2029, to advance the cause of peace, dignity, and economic opportunity for the Palestinian people. The parties will continue their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to enable the Palestinian people to realize their full potential. Israel affirmed that 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 will remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.
King Hamad and Prime Minister Netanyahu express their deep appreciation to President Trump for his dedication to peace in the region, his focus on shared challenges, and the pragmatic and unique approach he has taken to bringing their nations together.
The parties commend the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his leadership on August 13, 2020, in announcing full diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has also accepted President Trump’s invitation to join Israel and the United Arab Emirates at the historic signing ceremony on September 15, 2020, at the White House where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani of Bahrain will be signing a historic Declaration of Peace.”
During the call, King Hamad offered his deepest condolences to President Trump on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Historic significant step: Bahrain’s FM
The Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, has emphasised the importance of the historic step taken by His Majesty Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa towards achieving peace in the Middle East, with the prominent efforts of US President Donald Trump to reach the Declaration of Peace with Israel.
Dr. Al Zayani said that Bahrain stresses the need to reach a just and comprehensive peace solution as a strategic option to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that preserves the rights of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Al Zayani was quoted by the Bahrain News Agency as describing the step as pragmatic in facing the strategic challenges and protecting national interests.
The minister said that the Declaration of Peace between Bahrain and Israel achieves the goals of the Arab Peace Initiative that will help promote security and stability in the region, while ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people as well achieve sustainable peace.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasised the importance of the peace agreement to be signed by the United Arab Emirates and Israel, which contributed in stopping the annexation of Palestinian lands in a step that boosts the chances for a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
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