Israeli President Isaac Herzog will travel to the United Arab Emirates Jan. 30 for a first-ever visit by an Israeli president to the country. During his two-day trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Herzog is expected to meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Dubai ruler Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, senior Emirati government officials and members of the Jewish community in the country. Herzog will also will open "Israel Day" at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
In a statement issued by his office, Herzog thanked bin Zayed for his invitation, which he called a historic opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship between peoples. The statement read, “We have the privilege of making history by making the first visit of an Israeli president to the United Arab Emirates. This important visit comes as the Israeli and Emirati nations are busy laying the foundations of a new shared future. I believe that our bold new partnership will transform the Middle East and inspire the whole region. We are a peace-loving nation and together we will expand the historic circle of peace of the Abraham Accords and create a better, more tolerant and safer world for our children.”
