ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
US President Donald Trump played host to the signing of historic diplomatic accords between Israel and two Gulf Arab states, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, in Washington on Tuesday.
Stating that “this is an incredible day for the world,” President Trump said that the courage of the Israeli and Arab leaders has enabled these countries “to take a major stride toward a future where people of all faiths live together in peace and prosperity.”
The president added that the Abraham Accords open the door for Muslim, Jews and Christians “to live togeher, pray togehter and dream together,” and especially for Muslims from around the world to visit the holy sites in Israel. This includes praying at the Al Aqsa Mosque – the third holiest site in Israel.
“This is an incredible day for the world,” he concluded.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke next, reminding the audience that the Jews have prayed for peace for thousands of years and the State of Israel for decades, and that the day “brings hope to all of the children of Abraham.
“To all of Israel’s friends in the Middle East – those who are with us today and those who will join us tomorrow – I say, “salaam aleichem, peace unto thee, shalom,” he continued.
“The blessings of peace that we make today will be enormous,” he continued, “first because this peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states, and ultimately, it can end the Arab-Israel conflict once and for all.”
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed similar sentiments, reinforcing that “we are witnessing today a new trend that will create a new oath for the Middle East” and he said that the Abraham Accords “will enable us to stand with the Palestinians and enable their hopes of establishing a Palestinian state.” He thanked Netanyahu for “halting annexation of Palestinian territories.”
Similarly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, spoke about an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Today’s agreement is an important first step,” he said. “Now it is upon us to bring about the lasting peace and security our people deserve – a just and comprehensive and enduring two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict will be the bedrock of such a peace.
“We have shown today that such a path is possible,” he concluded.
