*** ----> UAE denies Israel security deal | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

UAE denies Israel security deal

Agencies | Abu Dhabi

The UAE has denied reports published by a section of Israeli media that the UAE and Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on internal security, as part of the peace treaty agreed between the two countries and the US recently.

Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, director of the International Security Cooperation Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised that the main goal of normalising ties with Israel is to establish economic and scientific relations in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) health, and education, and this is not within the framework of seeking security agreements, according to Emirates News Agency.

Reports circulated by some media outlets have claimed that contacts had been opened at the ministerial level between the two countries to conclude a security agreement shortly. Al Zaabi called for accuracy, objectivity and taking facts from reliable sources, stressing that these reports are “completely inaccurate”.

On August 13, it was announced that Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the full normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel.

The historic diplomatic breakthrough means Israel has suspended plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. A joint statement from the UAE, Israel and the US said: “This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the UAE and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region.”