Trump Mediates Israel-UAE Peace Agreement Signing (Comprehensive)

Trump Welcomes "Historic Agreement"

Donald Trump (left), President of the United States, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to sign a peace agreement and normalize relations under the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump.

On the 13th (local time), President Trump revealed a joint statement between the United States, Israel, and the UAE on Twitter. The joint statement announced that Israel and the UAE have agreed to full normalization of relations. Accordingly, the two countries are expected to establish diplomatic relations and open embassies soon.

The joint statement was released following a phone call between President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Major foreign media, citing senior White House officials, reported that Israel also agreed to suspend the application of sovereignty over the West Bank area, which it had been discussing for annexation.

The White House described the peace agreement as the result of continuous dialogue between the United States, Israel, and the UAE. A White House official said the agreement is an example of President Trump demonstrating foreign policy achievements ahead of his re-election.

The negotiations were reportedly led by Jared Kushner, senior advisor to the White House and President Trump's son-in-law, David Friedman, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and Avi Berkowitz, Middle East envoy, with support from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien.

President Trump warmly welcomed the agreement. He emphasized on Twitter, "Today, a tremendous breakthrough has been made. A historic peace agreement between our friends Israel and the UAE."