The United Arab Emirates and Israel have agreed to establish diplomatic ties as part of a deal to halt the annexation of occupied land sought by the Palestinians for their future state.
US President Donald Trump tweeted a statement from the countries, acknowledging the deal.
A joint statement from the US, the UAE and Israel was issued immediately after Trump's tweet. It said delegations would meet in the coming weeks to sign deals on direct flights, security, telecommunications, energy, tourism and health care.
The two countries also will partner on fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
“Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East's most dynamic societies and advanced economics will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation and forging closer people-to-people relations,” said the statement by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"During a call with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement was reached to stop further Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories. The UAE and Israel also agreed to cooperation and setting a roadmap towards establishing a bilateral relationship," Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said on Twitter.
UAE’s Ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, said Thursday’s “announcement is a significant advance for the region and for diplomacy.”
He said “it immediately stops annexation and the potential of violent escalation. It maintains the viability of a two-state solution as endorsed by the Arab League and international community.”
He added that “it creates new dynamics and possibilities in the peace process” and bolsters Jordan’s stability.
