Israel said on Sunday, January 24, 2021 that it would open a temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. "The Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi officially opened today with the arrival of the Head of Mission, Mr. Eitan Na’eh. The Israeli embassy in the United Arab Emirates will promote the full range of relations between the two countries in all areas, and expand ties with the Emirati government, economic bodies and the private sector, academic institutions, the media, and more," the statement said.
The embassy will work to advance Israel’s interests and to serve its citizens.
This will be the location until a permanent location is found. The embassy will operate from temporary offices, which will be inaugurated in the coming days, Israel's foreign ministry says. "This is an additional step in the implementation of the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE, signed in Washington on 15 September 2020, and of the series of agreements that have been signed since. "
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said that he wishes Na'eh and the embassy staff success in their first steps in the UAE. “The Foreign Ministry continues to lead the implementation of the peace and normalization agreements in the Gulf and to advance Israel’s international status."
The decision comes after it was announced that while visa-free travel has been approved, Israelis may have to wait until July for the actual visa-free travel to take place. Israel is also closing its Ben-Gurion airport due to the Covid crisis, according to an announcement on January 24. The Israel Gulf Report noted Na'eh's appointment on January 11. Since our writers attended GITEX in December 2020 we have been speaking with and following closely diplomatic developments between Israel and the UAE.
"The opening of the mission will enable the expansion of bilateral ties between Israel and the UAE, and the full and quick implementation of the potential inherent in our relations. I would like to thank the heir to the throne, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and my colleague and friend, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, for their leadership and hospitality towards our representatives," Ashkenazi said.
Foreign Minister Ashkenazi also welcomed the Emirati government’s decision today to open an embassy in Israel, which was announced on January 24. “This is an important decision that will facilitate the promotion of the warm ties between our countries and peoples. We look forward to receiving representatives of the UAE soon," he said.
The Israeli Liaison Office in Rabat and Consulate General of Israel in Dubai are expected to open in the coming days. This is in addition to the Israeli embassy in Manama, Bahrain, which has already been active for several weeks, according to Israel's MFA. Want to learn more about Israel Gulf Report?
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