Foreign Minister Yair Lapid inaugurated Israel’s embassy to the United Arab Emirates today, saying, “This is a historic moment. And it is a reminder that history is created by people who understand history and are willing to change it, by people who prefer the future over the past." The minister further noted, “Israel wants peace with its neighbors. With all its neighbors. We aren't going anywhere. The Middle East is our home and we're here to stay, so we call on all the countries of the region to recognize that and to talk to us."

Lapid warmly thanked former prime minister and political rival Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as “the architect of the Abraham Accords and who worked tirelessly to bring them about.” Lapid also thanked former US President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden for their contributions to peace in the region.

Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Emirati Culture and Youth Minister Noura Al Kaabi, Emirati Ambassador to Israel Mohammad al Khaja, Israel’s envoy to the Emirates Eitan Na’eh, Israel’s Foreign Ministry director Alon Ushpiz and members of the small local Jewish community including Chabad Rabbi Levi Duchman.

Kaabi expressed “enthusiasm over what we hope will be the first of many high-level visits. In the wake of the Abraham Accords of last year … our two countries have witnessed incredible strides in the political, economic and cultural fields.” Kaabi noted COVID-19 pandemic research, travel, trade, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as domains of cooperation between the two countries that he said will bear fruit and benefit both peoples.