Netanyahu, Pompeo and Bahrain FM hold trilateral meeting in Jerusalem

Jerusalem (QNN)- As part of his tour to the Middle East, which includes France, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Georgia and Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in ‘Israel’ today.

In addition to meetings with Israeli officials, Pompeo met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who arrived in Israel earlier in the day.

Pompeo will also visit the illegal settlement of Psagot in the occupied West Bank.

At the opening of the trilateral meeting with Netanyahu and Bahrain FM Abdulatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Pompeo said the so-called peace agreements are important to the whole world.

“Countries you wouldn’t expect are grateful for the work Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates and Israel will do together,” he added, commending Israel and Bahrain for turning the agreements into “real action, bold action.”

He also said peace between the countries will advance religious freedom, allowing more Muslims easier access to pray at the Temple Mount.

Netanyahu expressed enthusiasm for “three peace agreements in six weeks,” saying, “I don’t think it gets any better than that!”

“It respects the past and looks forward to the future, and has a robust and modern economy,” said Netanyahu describing Bahrain.

“Like Israel, Bahrain respects the past while embracing the future. Like Israel, Bahrain is small in size but big in aspirations. Like Israel, Bahrain has built a thriving economy by fostering innovation and free enterprise,” Netanyahu added.

Al Zayani said that he was “greatly encouraged” by his meetings in Jerusalem, saying they were productive meetings.

“We definitely have something to work with, and I am optimistic for the future,” Al Zayani stated. “It has been obvious the intention and the keenness that the peace we are pursuing will be a warm peace that will benefit both peoples.”

Al Zayani also announced that direct flights between ‘Israel’ and Bahrain will begin in early 2021, with passenger flights to Tel Aviv at first, and later to Eilat and Haifa, as well as cargo flights.

In addition, an “e-visa” service will come into place on December 1 for Israelis wishing to visit Bahrain and vice-versa.

“This is the dawn of peace for the entire Middle East, and to this end I continue to emphasize in all my meetings that, in order to achieve such a peace, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict needs to be resolved,” Al Zayani said.

He added, “I call for both parties to get around the negotiating table to achieve a viable two-state solution as is also sought by the international community.”

Netanyahu thanked Pompeo for his “unwavering friendship,” adding “Israel have had many contacts over the years, but very frankly this day would not have happened, these Abraham Accords would not have been signed, without President Trump’s crucial support and leadership.”

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