A change in Middle East sends hope around world: Sheikh Abdullah

The peace accord is a historic achievement for the US, Israel and the UAE.

Peace is the UAE's guiding principle, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said during the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accord on Tuesday.
"Peace requires courage, and shaping the future requires knowledge," he said. "In our faith, we say, 'O God, you are peace and from you is peace.' The search for peace is an innate principle, yet principles are effectively realised when they are transformed into action."
The minister said the Middle East is witnessing a change that will send hope around the world.
He thanked the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, for halting the annexation of the Palestinian territories, calling it "a decision that reinforces our shared will to achieve a better future for generations to come".
The peace accord is a historic achievement for the US, Israel and the UAE. It will continue to have a positive impact, "as we believe that its reverberations will be reflected on the entire region".
Sheikh Abdullah stressed that every option other than peace "would signify destruction, poverty, and human suffering".
"This new vision, which is beginning to take shape as we meet today for the future of a region full of youthful energy, is not a slogan that we raise for political gain, as everyone looks forward to creating a more stable, prosperous, and secure future."
As science prevails, the region's youth are looking forward to taking part in this "great humanitarian movement".
"We are pleased that the UAE will be part of the momentum towards stability and the growth of human potential, in a new civilised approach that opens wide the doors of opportunity for those who look towards peace, prosperity, and the future."
Humanitarian commitments
The UAE has reinforced its humanitarian commitments even as the world suffers from the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Referring to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah said the beloved leader "taught us that standing with others, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation, is a humanitarian duty and a firm principle".
He talked about the UAE launching the Arab world's first interplanetary mission to Mars "during this difficult time". "The 'Hope Probe' indeed represents hope that our region is capable of advancement and progress, if governments and people embrace science.
"After the UAE sent astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri last year as the first Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station, and launched a peaceful nuclear power plant, this Accord opened up prospects for a comprehensive peace in the region.
"Those who begin things in the right way, will reap bright achievements, with the grace of God," the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation concluded.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE