Israel, March 28/WAM/ His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, participated in the “Negev Summit”, which started yesterday evening in the Negev desert in southern Israel, at the invitation of His Excellency Yair Lapid, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also participating in the summit were His Excellency Anthony Blinken, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America, His Excellency Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco, and His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain.
During the summit, they discussed common challenges and a number of regional and international issues of common concern, in addition to efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region and to enhance international peace and security.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked His Excellency Yair Lapid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, for this invitation, stressing that the UAE supports and supports all global efforts exerted to achieve peace, security, stability and development in the region and the world at large.
His Highness also stressed that the UAE believes that peace is the essence of comprehensive and sustainable development in societies.
His Highness pointed out the importance of joint action in order to establish the values of peace, coexistence and tolerance in the whole world, which are the main pillars for achieving the aspirations of peoples and building a prosperous future for future generations.
The summit was attended by His Highness, Mohammed Mahmoud Al Khaja, the UAE Ambassador to the State of Israel.
At the conclusion of the Negev Summit, a joint press conference was held by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Yair Lapid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, H.E. Anthony Blinken, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America, and H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt. His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco, and His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked Yair Lapid for his invitation to participate in this summit. Addressing the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness said, “You are not only a partner but a friend, and we are very grateful for this kind hosting.”
His Highness added that “the meetings of the “Negev Summit” are a historic moment,” since 43 years ago when Egypt and Israel concluded the peace treaty, unfortunately, over these years we have lost knowing each other better and working together, and changing the narrative that many generations of Israel and Arabs They lived at enmity.”
His Highness said: “What we are trying to achieve today is to change this narrative, create a different future and build a better hope for us, our children and future generations.”
His Highness added: “It is a new thing for me, His Excellency Nasser Bourita, and His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to be in Israel, as this is our first summit here,” noting that Israel has been part of this region for a long time and it is time for us to know each other.
His Highness stressed: “When I see 300,000 Israelis visiting the United Arab Emirates within a year and a half, and two million visitors visiting the State of Israel’s pavilion at Expo 2020 within just 6 months, this reflects curiosity and our desire to get to know each other.”
His Highness said: “We stand side by side, and through the relationship of our two peoples, we seek to create a better environment for our business.” His Highness called for challenging hate speech and incitement to violence in the region, adding, “Without a doubt, we will win, and we can do better in several areas.”
His Highness affirmed that there are great potentials for joint cooperation, and everyone is enthusiastic regarding it, and Egypt and its leadership for 43 years have shown the ability to do so, so we thank them and we are trying to do the same.
His Highness added that the presence of His Excellency Anthony Blinken at this summit means a lot to us, as the United States of America encourages us to do better and build a more prosperous and peaceful future.
