It has been 15 days since two of the Arab countries that have been in conflict with Israel in the Middle East, such as UAE = United Arab Emirates, have started to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel.
Meanwhile, while two more countries have agreed to normalize diplomatic relations, it is unclear whether other Arab countries will remain in their traditional stance and more countries will approach Israel.
The Arab nations have been in conflict with Israel, which has been occupying Palestine for many years, of which UAE and Bahrain signed an agreement to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel on September 15, last year, mediated by the former Trump administration in the United States.
It's been a year since then, and the total trade between Israel and the UAE from January to July was 613.9 million dollars, or 67.5 billion yen in Japanese yen, which is 10 of the same period of the previous year. The number has more than doubled and economic exchange is progressing.
In addition, Sudan and Morocco have agreed to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, especially with the help of the former Trump administration, which was closer to Israel.
On the other hand, in May, when Israel bombed the Gaza Strip in Palestine and many citizens died, the Arab countries strongly criticized it, and Saudi Arabia, which is the center of Israel, also needs to resolve the Palestinian problem as a condition for normalizing diplomatic relations. I haven't lost my attitude.
There are speculations between Israel and the Arab nations to improve relations and counter the threat of Iran, but as Israel continues to occupy Palestine in violation of international law, will more Arab nations approach Israel? The situation is uncertain.
Active traffic and trade between the two countries
Following the normalization of diplomatic relations, Israel and the UAE = United Arab Emirates have set up embassies with each other, and traffic and trade between the two countries are becoming active.
Among them, at UAE, Israeli companies are exhibiting at international trade fairs in fields such as defense, information and communication technology, and medical care, and it has become possible to see business talks with UAE businessmen.
In Dubai, the largest city, tourists from Israel can be seen even as the effects of the spread of the new coronavirus continue.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total trade between the two countries from January to July was 613.9 million dollars, or 67.5 billion yen in Japanese yen, more than 10 times that of the same period of the previous year. ..
"The goal of the year is to prepare the infrastructure for future relations. The two countries are already in a complementary relationship with the economy, and many are already Economic exchanges have been realized, "he emphasized that economic relations are being strengthened.
He argued that the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Arab countries would show a new reality in the Middle East, and that it would also have a positive effect on the peace talks between Israel and Palestine, which had ceased at the end of 2014.
On the other hand, regarding the fact that other Arab countries have set the resolution of the Palestinian problem as a condition for normalizing diplomatic relations, he said, "Palestinian leaders should change their policies and return to the place of peace negotiations," and accused the Palestinian side of responsibility. bottom.
JETRO Tel Aviv Office Manager "Expansion of business opportunities is a fact"
Regarding the progress of economic exchange between Israel and the UAE = United Arab Emirates, Shin Hirota, director of the JETRO Tel Aviv office, said that the spread of the new coronavirus is affecting direct flights and trade. There are plans to establish a huge investment fund in the investment field, but there are still few concrete moves. However, it is a fact that the government is acting as a flag-bearer, expanding business opportunities. " I am.
On the other hand, regarding the movement of Japanese companies, UAE-based companies have inquired about expanding sales channels in Israel, and Israel-based companies have inquired about expanding sales channels in Gulf countries. However, we have not grasped any noticeable movements, and each company is in the stage of collecting information. "