Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja: Abraham Accords Peace Agreement a beacon in human history for peace advocates UAE Ambassador to Israel: I hope that we will move forward in building a warm peace for the peoples of the region TEL AVIV, (Pakistan Point News - 02nd Mar, 2021) Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja presented his credentials to Reuven Rivlin, President of the State of Israel, as the first UAE Ambassador to the State of Israel.
An official reception was held for the UAE Ambassador, who listened to the UAE national anthem being played before handing over his credentials to the President of Israel.
President Rivlin said, "This is a special moment for me as President of Israel," noting that the UAE is a peace-advocating country that succeeded in turning the desert into a flourishing oasis that has become a hub for technology, creativity, and advanced sciences.
"We look forward to strengthening the relationship between both countries. Thanks to the courageous and wise leadership of the UAE, we have had the honor of seeing this wonderful day, with the UAE flag flying alongside the Israeli flag above the presidential residence in Jerusalem," he said.
"The Israelis are happy to welcome you warmly here," the President continued, noting that agreements are concluded between leaders but people forge real and sustainable peace.
Furthermore, he added, "There are many things we can do to push our peoples and the middle East forward by promoting regional cooperation, mutual respect, and the consolidation of the values of peace."
"I look forward to seeing you succeed in building the bridge of peace between both countries and our peoples. Welcome!" the President concluded.
For his part, 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."
Al Khaja continued, "Please allow me to express our overwhelming happiness at our presence on this land in the presence of Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen."
"The UAE and the State of Israel share common ground, and we maintain a common vision for the future in which the values of tolerance and cooperation are needed now more than ever before. The historic Abraham Accords Peace Agreement, signed at the White House in September 2020, has opened a new chapter in relations between our two countries and promotes stability and security in our region," Al Khaja said.
He added, "Today, we are witnessing a new vision that will create a better path for the Middle East region. The Abraham Accords Peace Agreement is a historic achievement that will not only positively impact both countries, but also the entire region. Every option other than peace will mean destruction, poverty, and human suffering."
He underscored that this new vision, which is shaping a region full of youthful energy, is one that seeks to achieve a more stable, prosperous, and secure future. He expressed his satisfaction at the UAE’s role in this new vision for a region that is eager for stability and growth of human potential, and for a new civilized approach that opens wide the doors of opportunity to the benefit of advocates of peace and prosperity.
"The Abraham Accords Peace Agreement will remain a beacon in human history for all advocates of peace, as it has created a new reality. Both countries today share a goal of establishing peace and security in the region and instilling optimism and hope among our peoples. In this regard, both countries have begun to regard addressing challenges to regional and international security as a common goal, and I will work tirelessly to strengthen the political ties between our countries for the sake of our peoples and regional stability," Al Khaja said.
Moreover, he stated, "The Abraham Accords Peace Agreement opens up new prospects for job creation for the region's youth, as our two countries represent two of the most important and largest economies in the region to support growth and create new opportunities. Our two countries have already begun to cooperate in trade and in the technological field."
Al Khaja also noted, "The initiation of diplomatic relations between both countries has warmed ties between our peoples through tourism and cooperation in various sectors such as education and health, and I will exert all efforts to strengthen these ties and bridge any gaps between both cultures and peoples."
"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," Al Khaja said.
He added, "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."
Al Khaja concluded, "I would like to thank Your Excellency and all of you for hosting me as the first Emirati ambassador to the State of Israel, and I pledge to work to strengthen bilateral relations and move towards new horizons of cooperation for the benefit of our countries and peoples. I also hope that we will move forward in building a warm peace for the peoples of the region."
Following the ceremony, President Rivlin held a bilateral meeting with Al Khaja.
President Rivlin wished success to the UAE Ambassador in his mission, which contributes to the development and strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and the State of Israel in various fields, stressing his country's readiness to provide all possible support to facilitate his tasks.
Furthermore, Al Khaja expressed his pride at representing the UAE in the State of Israel and his keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and activate them in various fields to contribute to reinforcing the ties of friendship between the two countries.
President Rivlin, in turn, reciprocated his greetings to the UAE leaders, wishing the government and people of the UAE further development and prosperity.
Al Khaja arrived in Tel Aviv today and met with Gabi Ashkenazi, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and the significant growth they have witnessed since the signing of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
Gabi Ashkenazi congratulated Al Khaja and wished him well in his new mission.
Ashkenazi also noted the UAE's important role in leading the change that the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement has brought to the Middle East.
