New Delhi: Opening a new vista in strategic relations, Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday on the first such visit.
"I've visited many Jewish communities around the world, but it's particularly moving to meet the Jewish community of the UAE," he wrote in a tweet.
"Pleased to see a wonderful community taking shape, with official recognition. The UAE's spirit of tolerance and coexistence is a model for our region," he said.
Meanwhile, Israeli President Herzog's visit "will continue" in the United Arab Emirates as planned, his office has confirmed.
The media reports on these lines came after the Gulf state said it had intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi rebels.
"The president has been briefed on the details of the incident," a statement by Mr Herzog's office said.
"There was no danger posed nor is there danger posed to the president and his delegation."
The Emirati defence ministry also said the missile was intercepted and destroyed on Monday morning, adding that its debris fell on an uninhabited area.
The visit importantly seeks to strengthen Gulf ties with Israel at a time of heightened regional tension as world powers try to revive a nuclear deal with Iran.
The UAE, along with Bahrain, signed U.S.-brokered normalisation agreements with Israel, dubbed the "Abraham Accords", in 2020. Notably, the two Gulf states and Israel share common concerns about Iran.
Of course, the presidency in Israel is a largely ceremonial post, but the visit has its own significance nevertheless. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited the UAE in December.
On arrival in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, the President was greeted by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was then received by the UAE's de facto ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Al Watan presidential palace alongside UAE ministers and officials.
"I wish [Sheikh Mohammed] well, and I am grateful for his courage and bold leadership, carving out a peace agreement with Israel and sending a message to the entire region that peace is the only alternative for the peoples of the region," Herzog said earlier.
