UAE's first ambassador to Israel presents credentials

Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja has presented his credentials as the first UAE Ambassador to the State of Israel to President Reuven Rivlin.

An official reception was held for the Emirati Ambassador, who expressed that diplomatic relations between the two countries have helped them cooperate in various sectors such as education, health and tourism.

Ambassador Al Khaja said, "It is a pleasure to stand before you today, and I thank you for hosting us here. I am also pleased to convey to you the greetings of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their wishes to Your Excellency and your people for further progress and prosperity.

"In this difficult year when the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has spared no effort in pursuing the legacy left by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan while standing by all friendly nations and helping them overcome the challenges they face, regardless of religion, culture, or race. This is a humanitarian duty and a firm principle."

He added that the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement is a historic achievement that will not only positively impact both countries, but the entire region.

The Emirati Ambassador explained that the accord will help provide new job opportunities for the region’s youth and that the UAE and Israel have already begun cooperating in the fields of trade and technology.

Meanwhile, Rivlin said that Israel is keen on strengthening relations between the two nations, noting that the UAE is a peace-advocating country that has succeeded in becoming a hub for technology, creativity, and advanced sciences.

Speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Al Khaja said, "The UAE and the State of Israel have collaborated on scientific research to combat COVID-19, and our two countries have become global leaders in vaccinating against COVID-19. We continue to learn from each other and share this knowledge with the world. This is what peace brings. Today, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel stand together in saving lives, containing the pandemic on the one hand, and safely opening our two countries' economies on the other hand."

During his visit to Tel Aviv, Al Khaja also met with Gabi Ashkenazi, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.