Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, who is visiting the UAE, will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates today (December 13) local time. This is the first visit of an Israeli prime minister to the UNITED Arab Emirates and the first visit of an Israeli prime minister to a Gulf country.
UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah, right, greets arriving Israeli Prime Minister Bennett (left) at the airport on December 12.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement saying that the leaders of the two sides will discuss economic and regional issues to strengthen the stability of bilateral relations and deepen bilateral relations, especially to promote the development, prosperity and well-being of the two countries.
At the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Israeli Prime Minister Bennett departed for a visit to the UAE on December 12, local time.
In view of the current spread of the New Coronavirus Semikron variant, Bennett's visit has been reduced. He canceled a trip to the Israel Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo and a symposium with the business community.
UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah, right, meets with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Bennett, left, on December 12.
Since Israel and the UAE fully normalized their relations last August, trade between the two countries has climbed sharply. So far this year, bilateral trade in goods has exceeded $500 million, up from $125 million last year. Last month, the two sides announced negotiations on a free trade agreement.
Analysts believe that Bennett's visit to the UAE coincides with the stalemate in negotiations between Iran and other relevant parties on the return to the Iranian nuclear agreement, so the Iranian nuclear issue may be the focus of Bennett's talks with Mohammed.
Israel has long prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Iran has stressed that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Earlier this month, the UAE's national security adviser, Tahnon bin Zayed, visited Iran. It was the first senior EMI official to visit Iran since the UAE lowered its diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016. Outside analysts believe that this visit is a turning point in the bilateral relations between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a turning point in Iran's relations with the entire Arab region.
Iranian President Lehi, right, meets with visiting UAE National Security Adviser Tahnobn bin Zayed, left, in Tehran, on December 6.
Under the "matchmaking" of the United States, since August last year, Israel has successively announced the normalization of relations with Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Reporters: Wang Jingxiu and Li Huizhong
Source: Global News+