Rivlin hosts Bahraini delegation, calls King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Due to coronavirus restrictions, the number of tourists from the UAE to Israel is minimal in comparison, but delegations are certainly coming.
By GREER FAY CASHMANUpdated: DECEMBER 15, 2020 08:18President Reuven Rivlin is seen hosting an Emirati-Bahraini delegation of opinion leaders at the President's Residence.(photo credit: MARK NEYMAN/GPO)
President Reuven Rivlin telephoned the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Monday to congratulate him on his country’s National Day, which will be celebrated on Wednesday of this week.Rivlin said that peace with Bahrain serves as a model for other countries in the region, especially in the fields of economy, innovation and health. The president reiterated his hope that the Palestinians would follow the lead of others in the region and take steps to build mutual trust, cooperation and peace.Rivlin told the king that he hoped relations between the two countries would grow ever stronger.In reference to National Day, he said that, “it marks a year of historic developments between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The developments in our relations could not have happened without the brave and historic decision of His Majesty to establish a warm peace with Israel.”Earlier in the day, a delegation of Bahrainis met with RivlinThe group, led by Amit Deri of the Sharaka Project, comprised academics, business people, social activists and opinion makers who discussed normalization with the president.Rivlin told them that inasmuch as peace treaties are signed between governments, peace on the ground is made between peoples and nations. He was full of hope, saying that the Palestinians would also take steps in this direction, with a view of building mutual trust, cooperation and peace.Rivlin has long said that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians cannot be resolved until there is mutual trust and confidence.Dr. Majid al-Sarah from the University of Dubai said: “To visit Israel for the first time as part of a delegation is a historic moment. Israel is a prime example of tolerance in the region. This is a new era of peace and stability between peoples.”Mashaal al-Shamri from Bahrain confirmed this perception saying: “We see Israel as a place of peace, success and co-existence.”
