Bahrain, Israel sign declaration supporting peace

Washington, Sept. 15 (BNA): Upon directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, participated in the signing ceremony of the declaration supporting peace between Bahrain and Israel, and the signing of the Peace Accord between the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Israel. The ceremony was held at the White House, in the presence of US President Donald Trump. It was also attended by US Vice President Mike Pence, UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner. In his speech on the occasion, Al Zayani said: “Today is a truly historic occasion. A moment of hope and opportunity for all the peoples of the Middle East, and in particular for the millions in our younger generations.” “The declaration supporting peace between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel is an historic step on the road to genuine and lasting peace, security and prosperity across the region, and for all who live there, regardless of religion, sect, ethni-city, or ideology,” he added, noting that “for too long, the Middle East has been set back by conflict and mistrust, causing untold destruction and thwarting the potential of generations of our best and brightest young people. Now, I am convinced, we have the opportunity to change that.” “Today’s declaration was made possible by the vision, courage and commitment of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, who – – supported by the people of Bahrain - has protected, institutionalized, and enhanced Bahrain’s centuries-old spirit of coexistence and harmony, and has the wisdom to recognize that genuine co-operation is the most effective means to achieve peace and to safeguard the legitimate rights,” he said. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for this vision of peace for the region based on trust, respect and understanding between all faiths, races and nations,” he also said. Al Zayani congratulated “our brothers in the United Arab Emirates, I congratulate you on your own momentous peace accord being signed today with Israel. His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed has shown great leadership and foresight to make peace possible and secure a brighter future for our region.” The minister expressed his particular and deep appreciation to President Donald Trump and his Administration. “In particular, I want to express my deep appreciation to President Donald Trump and his Administration, Mr. President - your statesmanship and tireless efforts have brought us here today and made peace a reality. And to Secretary Pompeo, Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, and Special Representative Avi Berko-witz and others who have all carried out their mandates with dedication and skill,” he said. “To the State of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu, we welcome and appreciate these steps from you and your government, recognizing that enduring peace and security is only possible through a genuine engagement that protects the rights and interests of countries and peoples in the region,” he said, while addressing the Israeli Premier. “Today’s agreement is an important first step, and it is now incumbent on us to work urgently and actively to bring about the lasting peace and security our peoples deserve. A just, comprehensive and enduring two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be the foundation – the bedrock – of such peace,” he said. “We have shown today that such a path is possible, even realistic. What was only dreamed of a few years ago is now achievable, and we can see before us a golden opportunity for peace, security and prosperity for our region. Let us – together, and with our international partners – waste no time in seizing it,” he concluded. In his speech, President Trump said “the agreements will serve as a foundation, as a comprehensive peace across the region.” “We're here this afternoon to change the course of history,” he said. “We mark the dawn of a new Middle East thanks to the great courage of these three countries. We take a major stride towards a future in which people of all faiths and backgrounds live together in peace and prosperity. The U.S. president said that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Israel will exchange ambassadors and begin to work together, to cooperate.” In his speech, Netanyahu said that “this day is a pivot of history. It heralds a new dawn of peace.” He expressed gratitude to President Trump for his vision of peace with the Palestinians and as an essential partner in achieving peace in the region. The Israeli premier added that because peace will eventually expand to include other states and ultimately can end the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all. He added that he was grateful to HM King Hamad for joining in bringing hope to all the children of Abraham and that the blessings of the peace they are making will be enormous. In his speech, UAE Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed thanked Netanyahu for halting the annexation of the Palestinian territories, saying the decision “reinforces our shared will to achieve a better future for generations to come.” He said that the peace accord initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of President Trump and his team and lauded the positive role of the United States in the Middle East. “We are witnessing today a new trend that will create a better path for the Middle East,” he said. “This Peace Accord, which is a historic achievement for the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, will continue to have a positive impact, as we believe that its reverberations will be reflected on the entire region. Every option other than peace would signify destruction, poverty, and human suffering.” The search for peace is an innate principle, yet principles are effectively realised when they are transformed into action, and “we are already witnessing a change in the heart of the Middle East, a change that will send hope around the world,” he added. “This initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of President Donald Trump and his team who worked hard and sincerely for us all to reach here, most notably my counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Jared Kushner, Senior Adviser to the President of the United States, and all those who are genuine about the principle of peace in the United States, who have strived to realise this major achievement.” Shaikh Abdullah thanked Netanyahu for halting the annexation of the Palestinian territories, a decision that reinforces our shared will to achieve a better future for generations to come. Shaikh Abdullah added that “We are witnessing today a new trend that will create a better path for the Middle East.” “This Peace Accord, which is a historic achievement for the United States of America, the State of Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, will continue to have a positive impact, as we believe that its reverberations will be reflected on the entire region,” he said. “This new vision, which is beginning to take shape as we meet today for the future of a region full of youthful energy, is not a slogan that we raise for political gain, as everyone looks forward to creating a more stable, prosperous, and secure future.” At a time when science is prevailing, the region’s youth are looking forward to taking part in this great humanitarian movement, he added. “We are pleased that the United Arab Emirates will be part of the momentum towards stability and the growth of human potential, in a new civilised approach that opens wide the doors of opportunity for those who look towards peace, prosperity, and the future,” he said. “Our societies today possess the foundations of modern human development, such as infrastructure, a solid economy, and scientific achievements that will enable them to advance the future of the Middle East.” Shaikh Abdullah added that the United Arab Emirates believes that the role of the United States in the Middle East is positive, and this belief is evidenced by the accord that will remain a beacon in human history for all peace-loving people around the world. “For us in the United Arab Emirates, this accord will enable us to continue to stand by the Palestinian people, and realise their hopes for an independent state within a stable and prosperous region.” Shaikh Abdullah recalled previous peace agreements signed by Arab nations with Israel, saying that the aim of all of these treaties is to work towards stability and sustainable development. Following the speeches, Shaikh Abdullah and Netanyahu signed the peace accord between the UAE and Israel, while Dr Al Zayani and Netanyahu signed the declaration of support for peace between Bahrain and Israel in the presence of President Trump.