The leaders of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute (AAPI) and Sharaka signed a cooperation agreement in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by AAPI Chairman and former senior presidential advisor Jared Kushner. The agreement aims to promote economic and cultural ties among the Abraham Accords countries.
Key Takeaways
- Jared Kushner witnessed the signing of the MoU between AAPI and Sharaka.
- The agreement aims to promote economic and cultural ties among Abraham Accords countries.
- The event took place at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Event Overview
The signing ceremony was held at Emirates Palace, with Robert Greenway, Executive Director and President of AAPI, and Amit Deri, Israeli co-founder and CEO of Sharaka, signing the MoU. Dr. Majid Al Sarrah, Emirati co-founder of Sharaka and UAE CEO, was also present, along with senior members of AAPI, Sharaka, and the Emirati policy community.
Statements from Key Figures
Jared Kushner expressed his satisfaction with the expansion of the Abraham Accords, noting the natural relationship developing between the UAE and Israel. He highlighted the importance of people-to-people relationships in fostering understanding and reducing conflict.
Robert Greenway emphasized the role of Sharaka in making the vision of people-to-people peace a reality. He stated that the goal is to develop relationships that will result in productive outcomes and ensure the enduring nature of the peace established.
Dr. Majid Al Sarrah described the agreement as an extension of the Abraham Accords, aimed at spreading peace as a model for others to emulate. He stressed the importance of mutual understanding between Arabs and Jews to dispel myths and foster better relations.
Goals and Objectives
The MoU outlines several key objectives:
- Promote economic and cultural ties among Abraham Accords countries.
- Identify and pursue ways to build upon the Accords.
- Facilitate mutual visits of influencers from various fields between Israel and the Arab world.
- Seek areas for cooperation in cultural, academic, and policy exchanges.
- Work with universities, high schools, and youth groups.
- Promote cooperation in athletics, environmental issues, and support for people of determination.
Future Plans
The agreement aims to develop grassroots connections and tell the story of how the Abraham Accords impact everyday lives. The focus will be on creating meaningful and positive impacts in various fields, including cultural cooperation, inter-religious dialogue, and academic exchanges.
Palestinian-Israeli Relations
Robert Greenway mentioned that the Peace Institute is working to improve Palestinian-Israeli relations by developing options that provide immediate benefits to the quality of life for Palestinians. He expressed hope that organizations like Sharaka, which focus on people-to-people exchanges, can help reduce friction between Palestinians and Israelis.
Dr. Al Sarrah added that Sharaka is trying to include Palestinian partners in its initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
