United Arab Emirates repeals boycott of Israel law

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2 min

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities announced on Saturday that they would repeal the law to boycott Israel. The announcement comes as the two countries decided, under the aegis of the United States, to normalize their relations on August 13. This week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had already traveled to Abu Dhabi to speak with the UAE authorities about the agreement with Israel which is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

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With our correspondent in Dubai, Nicolas Keraudren

It is a first step towards the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Indeed, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa on Saturday issued an executive order abolishing a 48-year-old law on boycotting the Hebrew state.

Concretely, it will now be possible "  to bring, exchange and possess Israeli goods and products of all types in the Emirates  ". According to the official UAE news agency, the objective is also to "  stimulate economic growth and promote technological innovation  ".

The announcement comes in any case to seal a little more the “Abrahamic agreements” which should be signed in the coming weeks. And this even if economic exchanges already existed between the two countries in an unofficial manner.

On Monday, an Israeli-American delegation composed in particular of Donald Trump's senior advisor, Jared Kushner, is expected in the United Arab Emirates. It will be the first direct commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.

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• United Arab Emirates
• Israel

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