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Relations between the two countries have been growing and trade is expected to reach a record $3 billion by the end of 2023, the ambassador said
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Ahmed bin Ali Sayeq and Amir Hayek attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. — Photo provided
As another milestone of the Abraham Accords, the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi hosted Israel’s first Independence Day celebration in the UAE.
Amir Hayek, the first Israeli ambassador to the UAE, noted that relations between the two countries have been growing, with trade expected to reach a record $3 billion by the end of 2023.
“In the last three months of trade, the first quarter of 2023, we hit $783 million. It shows that if we keep doing that, we’ll be over $3 billion this year, which is what we planned, but it’s not what we Wanted. Both countries want more. And then I believe that with hard work, we will get there,” Hayek told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 75th Independence Day reception.
Bilateral trade volume reached 2.56 billion US dollars last year. According to Hayek, the figure excluding software has reached $783 million in the first three months of 2023, up more than 62% from $482.7 million in the same period last year.
Asked about the impact of the UAE-Israel Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), which came into force on April 1, the ambassador said it has been facilitating companies.
“We will see the data next month and the impact of Cepa on trade data. But not only on trade, Cepa covers government procurement, know-how, cooperation and many aspects of the economy. tools to expand our relationship.”
Hayek said the two countries would continue to explore new avenues to drive growth.
“We’re going to see collaborations in areas like renewable energy, desalination, food technology, agricultural technology, medical devices, medical equipment, telemedicine, communications, transportation. Both countries are actually moving forward, full speed ahead. We Not a minute is wasted. We are working with our UAE partners to succeed in these relationships. We are on the right track.”
Ambassadors wear official COP28 wristbands. Asked about Israel’s role in the climate change summit, Hayek assured the government of its full support to make the highly anticipated event a success.
“Israel is fully committed to helping with anything, in any way, to make COP28 a success,” he said, offering his full support for the country and COP28 UAE President-elect Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber.
He emphasized that the relationship is like a startup poised to become a unicorn.
“This relationship is a startup that is going to be a unicorn because of the leadership of both countries. I recommend that countries around the world follow what is happening here and get on the train because the train has left the station. I highly recommend other countries to join us .”
The ambassador said Israel had a “strong desire” to expand the Abraham Accords to other countries and add more agreements in the region.
Meanwhile, more than 600 guests, including UAE Minister of State Ahmed bin Ali Sayegh, were in attendance, along with government officials, members of the UAE diplomatic corps, business representatives, rabbis and leaders of the UAE Jewish community Independence Day reception.
“This is a special occasion. It’s the first Israel Day here. It’s a very important day for us. We want to honor the leaders of the United Arab Emirates,” Hayek added.
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