Israel’s new foreign minister will head to the United Arab Emirates next week for the first-ever visit by a top Israeli diplomat to the Gulf country.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid’s visit comes after the two countries normalized relations last year in an agreement brokered by the Trump administration. The new governments in both Israel and the United States have said they hope to reach similar accords with other Arab states.
Israel and UAE share similar concerns over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, which played a part in their establishment of ties. Lapid said Sunday that "More than ever, Iran’s nuclear program must be halted immediately, rolled back entirely and stopped indefinitely." He added, "Iran’s ballistic missile program must be dismantled and its global terror campaign vigorously countered by a broad international coalition."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Monday that Lapid will visit the UAE June 29-30, and will inaugurate an Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid’s visit comes after the two countries normalized relations last year in an agreement brokered by the Trump administration. The new governments in both Israel and the United States have said they hope to reach similar accords with other Arab states.
Israel and UAE share similar concerns over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, which played a part in their establishment of ties. Lapid said Sunday that "More than ever, Iran’s nuclear program must be halted immediately, rolled back entirely and stopped indefinitely." He added, "Iran’s ballistic missile program must be dismantled and its global terror campaign vigorously countered by a broad international coalition."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Monday that Lapid will visit the UAE June 29-30, and will inaugurate an Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai.
