Israel, UAE inaugurate direct phone links after normalisation of relations

Israel and UAE have inaugurated direct telephone services between the two countries following their agreement to normalise relations. The countries’ foreign ministers called each other and exchanged greetings following the historic peace accord.

Over an hour later, Emirati officials acknowledged that Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had called his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi. The Israelis later acknowledged the call as well, saying the block had been lifted from the Emiratis’ side.

Israel foreign minister tweeted that the two sides decided together on the establishment of a direct communication channel ahead of the signing of the normalisation agreement between the two countries and to meet soon.

Israeli Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel issued a statement congratulating the UAE on removing the blocks. He said, many economic opportunities will open now, and these trust-building steps are an important step toward advancing states’ interests.

The US-brokered deal was announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday.