Israeli prime minister to visit UAE for first time

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will depart for a historic visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Report informs via HaAretz.

Bennett will meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Monday before returning to Israel.

The two plan to discuss boosting ties between the two countries, with an emphasis on economic and regional issues, Bennett's office said.

Last June, Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited the UAE for the inauguration of the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi, hailing the "historic moment." It was the first high-level trip by an Israeli official since the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to normalize relations last year.

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly scheduled and postponed a visit to Abu Dhabi due to the coronavirus pandemic, but ultimately canceled the visit ahead of the March 23 elections due to a diplomatic spat with neighboring Jordan.