Israel's FM Inaugurates First Embassy in  UAE Today    

Israel's   Foreign Minister Yair Lapid officially inaugurated Israel’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tuesday afternoon, hailing the “historic moment.”, according to the Times of Israel

Lapid added that the Israelis and Emiratis   are standing   today because  they chose peace over war, cooperation over conflict, the good of our children over the bad memories of the past,” said Lapid. “Agreements are signed by leaders but peace is made by people.”

Lapid went out of his way to thank former prime minister and political rival Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called “the architect of the Abraham Accords and who worked tirelessly to bring them about.”

He also thanked former US president Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.

UAE Culture and Knowledge Development Minister Noura Al Kaabi spoke after Lapid, saying, “It is essential that we prepare ourselves and our children toward a new world.”

She noted her country’s collaboration with Israel on AI, smart cities, COVID-19, trade, and tourism.

Al Kaabi closed her speech with toda raba, Hebrew for “thank you very much.”

Lapid is in the United Arab Emirates for the first official visit by an Israeli minister to the Gulf state.

The trip comes nearly a year after the countries announced they would normalize ties, and after months during which planned visits by Israeli officials were stymied by a series of issues, ranging from health crises to diplomatic scuffles.

The ceremony was attended by Emirati Ambassador to Israel Mohammad al Khaja, Israel’s envoy to the UAE Eitan Na’eh, and local Chabad Rabbi Levi Duchman.

During his two-day trip, Lapid will also attend the inauguration of Israel’s consulate in Dubai.

Israel’s top diplomat is being hosted by Emirati Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Lapid spoke with bin Zayed earlier this month. After the call, Lapid said he looked forward “to working with him to build on the warm and unique relations between our two countries for the benefit of our peoples and the entire Middle East.”