INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Monday in Abu Dhabi with United Arab Emirates strongman Mohammed bin Zayed, a historic meeting that marks a “new reality” in the region.
Trade relations were the focus of talks on the second day of a visit by Bennett, the first head of the Israeli government to an Arab Gulf monarchy. The visit came as the Jewish state pushed for sanctions against Iran, its sworn enemy, and key Emirati economic partner.
Bennett was received by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in his private palace, where they talked for more than four hours, according to Israeli officials. Mohammed bin Zayed “expressed the hope that this visit will contribute to positive developments in (bilateral) cooperation,” according to the official Emirates news agency WAM.
The two men discussed “ways to work together” in “investment, economy, trade, and development, mainly in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, high technology and health,” according to WAM.
Speaking to WAM, Bennett spoke of a “new reality” in the region. In a video released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office at the end of his visit, Bennett welcomed the “direct, thorough and relevant talks on our two countries, our region, our economy, our technologies and what we can do together.”
Also read: K. Mitsotakis | The Greek Prime Minister in Israel and Russia
“I return to Israel very optimistic that this relationship (with the Emirates) can be an example of how we can make peace here in the Middle East,” he added.
Bennett’s visit to Abu Dhabi took place more than a year after the signing of an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries on September 15, 2020. Bahrain had signed a similar agreement on the same day and the two countries became its first Arab monarchies of the Gulf that publicly normalized their relations with Israel.
Since then, the Emirates and the Jewish state have concluded trade agreements in various fields. “The Emirati people are interested in Bennett’s experience in high technology and business, as well as in Israeli innovation in general,” said a source inside the Israeli delegation. Beyond the economy, the issue of Iran’s nuclear program raises common concerns in Israel and its new Gulf partners.
Source: CNA
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Turkey | Twelve Soldiers Dead from Methane Poisoning on Mission in Northern Iraq
Twelve Turkish soldiers died after being exposed to methane fumes during an operation last Sunday (6 July 2025) in a cave in northern Iraq, the Turkish Ministry of Defence has announced.
Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey Commit to a Closer Defence Relationship to Guarantee Security in the Black Sea
Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey have underlined the need to increase defence cooperation in order to strengthen regional stability, according to a statement from the Bulgarian Defence Ministry.
Russia | The First Country to Recognise the Taliban Government in Afghanistan
Russia announced on Thursday that it had accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s new ambassador, making it the first state to recognise…
Turkey | Twelve Soldiers Dead from Methane Poisoning on Mission in Northern Iraq
Twelve Turkish soldiers died after being exposed to methane fumes during an operation last Sunday (6 July 2025) in a cave in northern Iraq, the Turkish Ministry of Defence has announced.
ARQUUS – Daimler Truck | Team Up for Next-Gen Military Vehicles
German commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck and French military vehicle producer ARQUUS have agreed to cooperate…
Exail | Equips Hellenic Navy FDI Frigates with Cybersecure Navigation Systems
Exail is set to equip the Hellenic Navy’s next-generation FDI frigate with advanced, interoperable, cyber-secure navigation systems, as Naval Group’s partner…
Miltech Hellas S.A. | Expands Strategic Partnership with Safran
At the Paris Air Show – Le Bourget 2025, Miltech Hellas S.A. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Safran Electronics & Defense, reinforcing…
Theon | New Order for The IRIS-C Thermal Clip-On Units
THEON INTERNATIONAL PLC (THEON) has announced that one of its strategic and long-term customers has placed a new order for IRIS-C thermal clip-on…
Hellenic Navy Joins Forces with EFA VENTURES for Cutting-Edge Technologies
A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hellenic Navy and the company EFA VENTURES, which specialises in the provision of services in the field of aerospace technology…