UAE, Bahrain sign historic peace accord with Israel in the US

The UAE and Bahrain signed a landmark peace agreement with Israel at the White House today, to establish full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

The peace accord – touted as a bellwether of regional politics – is expected to normalise relations between nations and establish peace within the Middle East.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a keynote speech, addressing the attendees, said: “The United Arab Emirates believes that the role of the United States in the Middle East is positive, and this belief is evident by the accord that we are signing today at the White House. ”

“As for us, in the UAE, this accord will enable us to continue to stand by the Palestinian people and realise their hopes for an independent state within a stable and prosperous region. This accord builds upon previous peace agreements signed by Arab nations with the state of Israel. The aim of all these treaties is to work towards stability and sustainable development.”

US President Donald Trump, also present at the signing ceremony, said: “Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, and begin to work together as partners.”

“We’re here this afternoon to change the course of history.

After decades of division and conflict, we mark the dawn of a new Middle East.” pic.twitter.com/DDe3Y9EwDM

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 15, 2020

“This was unimaginable a few years ago,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented.

“The UAE is so delighted and privileged to play a role for peace.” Ahead of today’s #UAEIsrael #PeaceAccord signing ceremony, UAE Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlights the positive impact of the agreement on the region. @MoFAICUAE @OFMUAE pic.twitter.com/n7C8bmW10I

— UAE Embassy US (@UAEEmbassyUS) September 15, 2020

On August 13, the UAE and Israel agreed to the Abraham Accord whereby the UAE would normalise relations with the Israel, in exchange for the latter to halt all further annexation of Palestinian territories.

Read: UAE, Israel agree on historic deal to establish diplomatic ties

Since then, several Israeli and UAE entities have entered into agreements across diverse areas including technology, healthcare, and finance. In a series of firsts, El Al Israel Airline’s flight touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport on August 31, marking the first commercial flight ever to arrive into the UAE from the Jewish state.

Watch: First direct commercial flight from Israel to the UAE lands in Abu Dhabi

In the buildup to the signing of the US-brokered peace agreement, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially abolished a previous law, the Federal Law No. 15 of 1972, boycotting Israel, further encouraging individuals and companies in the UAE to enter into agreements with their Israeli counterparts.

Read more: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa scraps Israel boycott law

Trailing the UAE, Bahrain became the second Gulf nation to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Read: Bahrain joins UAE in establishing diplomatic ties with Israel

HISTORIC day for PEACE in the Middle East — I am welcoming leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain to the White House to sign landmark deals that no one thought was possible. MORE countries to follow! pic.twitter.com/whvJpNPrri

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2020