Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord
September 16, 2020 09:13
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for the signing of the historic Abraham Accord, which is the first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years.
"We are here this afternoon to change the course of history. After decades of division and conflict we mark the dawn of a new Middle East," Trump said, moments before the accord was signed at the South Lawns of the White House.
The UAE was represented by Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and Bahrain by Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani.
The Arab Accord -- essentially bilateral agreements with Israel -- does not mention the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Thanks to the great courage of the leaders of these three countries we take a major stride towards a future in which people of all faiths and backgrounds live together in peace and prosperity," Trump said.
The president pointed out that these were the only two peace deals between Israel and the Arab States in more than a quarter of a century.
Egypt was the first Arab State to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979.
Jordon signed a peace pact in 1994.
"Now we have achieved two in a single month and there are more to follow," Trump said.
As per the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, cooperate and work together with Israel across a range of sectors, including tourism, trade, healthcare and security.
"They are friends. The Abraham Accords also open the door for Muslims around the world to visit the historic sites in Israel and to peacefully pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam," Trump said, amidst applause and cheer from more than 200 invited guests.
Together these agreements will serve as the foundation for comprehensive peace across the entire region, Trump said.
Netanyahu described the accord as a "pivot of history", heralding a new dawn.
"For thousands of years the Jewish people have prayed for peace. For decades, the Jewish state has prayed for peace and this is why today we are filled with such profound gratitude," he said.
"You have heard from the president that he has already lined up more and more countries. This was unimaginable a few years ago. But with resolve, determination, a fresh look at the way peace is done, this is being achieved," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Israel is eager to invest in a future of prosperity, and peace.
"We've already begun to cooperate on combating coronavirus and I am sure that together we can find solutions to many of the problems that afflict our region and beyond," he said. -- PTI
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