Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu discuss co-operation in phone call

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Israel's prime minister talk about regional stability, coronavirus and empowering young people

Mohamed bin Zayed spoke with Israel's leader by phone, the Crown Prince said on Monday.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi spoke to Israel's prime minister about co-operation and stability in the region.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Sunday said he had spoken to Benjamin Netanyahu by phone.

The two leaders talked about strengthening ties and "examined prospects for peace and the need for stability, co-operation and development in the region", the Crown Prince wrote in a tweet.

During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we discussed strengthening bilateral ties and examined prospects for peace and the need for stability, cooperation and development in the region.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 12, 2020

The UAE became the first Gulf country to normalise diplomatic ties with Israel after it formally signed the Abraham Accord in Washington last month. Bahrain also normalised ties and was part of the accord.

"The two sides also affirmed that the normalisation of relations is a step to enhance regional peace, stability and security, and paves the way for a new phase of co-operation," UAE state news agency Wam reported.

"They also expressed their great appreciation for the vital role played by the US and President Donald Trump in reaching a peace accord."

Wam said the two men also spoke of the need to "strengthen co-operation in the fight against the coronavirus, ways to empower youth in the region, the principles or tolerance and co-operation and the importance of dialogue in building friendships and lasting peace".

The Abraham Accord, which halted Israeli annexation of Palestinian territories in exchange for establishing diplomatic ties, was agreed upon in a joint call between Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump on August 13.

Abraham Accord signed in Washington - in pictures

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Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, speaks to Donald Trump, US president at the time, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office in September 2020. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation