JERUSALEM, Mar 2 (NNN-WAM) – The first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Israel, arrived yesterday to start his term, about six months after the two countries established official ties.
Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, presented his credentials to Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, in an official ceremony at the President’s Residence.
“This will be your most important mission – to welcome the hands reaching out to you, to meet the Israeli people, and to get to know them up close,” Rivlin told Al Khaja.
Al Khaja said, his country and Israel share a common vision of “tolerance and cooperation.”
Al Khaja also met Israeli Foreign Minister, Gabi Ashkenazi, and pledged to build up bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various fields.
The UAE embassy has yet to find a building from which it will operate in Israel. The envoy will stay in Israel for three days, before returning to the UAE, until a permanent location would be found.
Israel’s envoy to the UAE, Eitan Na’eh, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Jan 24, and has begun working as charge d’affaires, until a permanent ambassador is appointed.– NNN-WAM
