Israel to open mission in UAE despite absence of diplomatic relationsNovember 27, 2015 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel is to open its first diplomatic mission in the UAE, Israel says, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries, BBC News reports. Israel's foreign ministry says its office will be part of an international energy organization based in Abu Dhabi. Israel has opened trade and other offices in some Gulf states before, but there are no official ties. The UAE, like most other Arab states, has not recognised Israel since the Arab-Israeli conflict began in 1948. Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon confirmed a report in Haaretz newspaper and said the mission will be accredited to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA). According to Haaretz, the foreign ministry's director general Dore Gold visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to finalise the plans. It is not known when the mission will open. The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, has not commented on the reports. The Gulf state generally bars Israeli passport holders from visiting the country, although Israeli sportspeople have participated in international events there. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |