For the first time in history, the president of Israel went to Bahrain for negotiations

For the first time in history, the president of Israel, Duke Isaac, made his way to Bahrain at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. 

“This is another historic step in relations between Israel and the arab states secured by the signing of the ‘Abraham accords’, as well as one of the steps towards introducing new countries into the framework of peace with Israel. I will be a guest of the King of Bahrain and his government and hope for a discussion of issues of mutual benefit,” the Duke said before his flight to Bahrain.

The president of Israel visits the Bahraini capital of Manama, meeting with the King, royal officials and representatives of the Jewish society. Together with representatives of the Israeli industry and economy, Bahrain will visit the Council for Economic Development, the chancellery said in a message.

In addition, on December 5, he will fly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he will participate in the space conference in Abu Dhabi and meet with President Mohammed bin Zaid al-Nahayan, the report added. It is their fourth meeting, and the two heads of State discuss ways to strengthen relations, the importance of peace, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

In 2020, Israel agreed to normalize relations with Bahrain and the UAE. The deal was called the "Abraham agreement". Until the treaty with the UAE and Bahrain, the Jewish state had only diplomatic relations with Egypt and Jordan among the arab states.

In May, Israel signed a free trade agreement with the UAE. According to the Jerusalem Post, customs duties on 96% of products such as food, cosmetics, medical equipment and medicines have been abolished. This is the first such agreement between the Jewish state and the arab state. Israel also plans to make such a deal with Bahrain before the end of the year.