Trump announces historic peace agreement between UAE, Israel

WASHINGTON: In a major breakthrough, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached a historic peace agreement today (Thursday), United States President Donald Trump confirmed.

Donald Trump took to Twitter and said, “Huge breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two great friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.”

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

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

“After 49 years, Israel and the United Arab Emirates will fully normalise their diplomatic relations. They exchange embassies and ambassadors and begin cooperation across the border,” he added.

In the White House Oval Office, Trump said discussions between the two leaders had sometimes been tense. He said similar deals are being discussed with other countries in the region.

“A signing ceremony including delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be held at the White House in the coming weeks,” the US president informed.

The agreement was sealed in a phone call between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister, and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. A joint statement was also issued in this regard.

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 US officials described the agreement as to the “Abraham Accord,” named for the father of all three great faiths. The announcement makes the UAE the first Gulf Arab state to do so and only the third Arab nation to have active diplomatic ties to Israel.

Israel and the UAE also said they will continue their efforts to “achieve a just, comprehensive and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

The statement said, “The diplomatic breakthrough was at the request of President Trump, and that 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.”

“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,” the statement read.

“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, and other issues,” the statement added.