Abraham Accord: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed's address at White House ceremony - in full

The UAE and Israel signed the historic Abraham Accord at a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.

Here are the full remarks, translated from an address delivered in Arabic, of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, at the signing of the peace accord:

President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ladies and gentlemen, peace be upon you.

I am pleased to convey to you the greetings of the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates, and notably, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

I stand here today to extend a hand of peace and receive a hand of peace.

In our faith, we say: "O God, you are peace and from you is peace."

The search for peace is an innate principle, yet principles are effectively realised when they are transformed into action.

Today, we are already witnessing a change in the heart of the Middle East, a change that will send hope around the world.

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. Thank you.

I also thank the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin 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.

Ladies and gentlemen, 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.

Every option other than peace would signify destruction, poverty and human suffering.

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.

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

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, meets Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state at the time. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Pompeo in Washington. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah visits Washington in September last year. Wam

Sheikh Abdullah, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, US President Donald Trump, centre, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sign the Abraham Accord at the White House South Lawn. MOFAIC

Sheikh Abdullah and, from left, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump at the White House. MOFAIC

Sheikh Abdullah, Mr Al Zayani and Mr Netanyahu at the White House during the Abraham Accord signing ceremony. MOFAIC

Sheikh Abdullah and, from left, Mr Netanyahu, Mr Trump and Mr Al Zayani wave from the Truman Balcony at the White House. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah and, from left, Mr Al Zayani, Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump sign the Abraham Accord. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah and, from left, Mr Al Zayani, Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump after the signing ceremony. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah and, from left, Mr Al Zayani, Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump after the signing ceremony. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah speaks from the Truman Balcony at the White House during the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accord. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah speaks as Mr Trump looks on before the signing of Abraham Accord on the South Lawn of the White House. AP

Sheikh Abdullah looks on from the White House as Mr Trump speaks at the Abraham Accord signing ceremony, also attended by Mr Al Zayani and Mr Netanyahu. AP

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani stand on the Blue Room Balcony during the signing ceremony. AP

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Al Zayani shortly before participating in the signing of the Abraham Accord. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah, with Mr Netanyahu, left, and Mr Al Zayani at the signing of the Abraham Accord on the South Lawn of the White House. AFP

US President Donald Trump speaks from the Truman Balcony at the White House during the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accord. AFP

President Donald Trump walks to the Abraham Accord signing ceremony at the White House with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani. AP

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives at the White House to attend the Abraham Accord signing ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump. EPA

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, meets US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House before the signing of Abraham Accord. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in the Oval Office. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, meets US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah with Mr Trump in the Oval Office. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, with by President Donald Trump at the White House. Mustafa Alrawi / The National

The UAE delegation led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Mustafa Alrawi / The National

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, is welcomed to the White House by US President Donald Trump. EPA

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Trump outside the White House. AFP

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed speaks to Mr Trump after arriving at the White House. Reuters

White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner walks away following a television interview on the North Lawn at the White House in Washington. Reuters

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome the arrival of Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington DC. AFP

A delegation of senior UAE officials led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, prepares to depart for the White House to sign the Abraham Accord. MOFAIC

US President Donald Trump welcomes Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani. AFP

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani arrives at the White House in Washington DC. AFP

US President Donald Trump welcomes Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP

Preparations at the White House for the signing of the Abraham Accord.

Preparations under way at the White House for the signing of the Abraham Accord.

Preparations under way at the White House for the signing of the Abraham Accord.

Preparation at the White House for the signing of the Abraham Accord. The National

At a time when science is prevailing, the region’s youth are looking forward to taking part in this great humanitarian movement.

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.

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.

Mr President, 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 we are signing today at the White House, for which you have taken the lead, and will remain a beacon in human history for all peace-loving people around the world.

And as 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.

This accord builds upon previous peace agreements signed by Arab nations with the state of Israel.

The aim of all of these treaties is to work towards stability and sustainable development.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this difficult year when the world is suffering from the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the United Arab Emirates has reinforced its humanitarian commitments, established by our nation’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who taught us that standing with others, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation, is a humanitarian duty and a firm principle.

During this difficult time, the United Arab Emirates was able to launch a probe to Mars.
The Hope probe indeed represents hope that our region is capable of advancement and progress, if governments and people embrace science.

After the United Arab Emirates sent astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri last year as the first Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station, and launched a peaceful nuclear power plant, this accord opened up prospects for a comprehensive peace in the region.

Hazza Al Mansouri etched his name in history when he became the first Emirati to travel in space last September. Courtesy: National Geographic

Ladies and gentlemen, peace requires courage and shaping the future requires knowledge.

The advancement of nations requires sincerity and persistence.

We have come today to tell the world that this is our approach and that peace is our guiding principle.

Those who begin things in the right way will reap bright achievements, with the grace of God.

Thank you.