דברי הנשיא ביום הלאומי של מדינת ישראל בתערוכת האקספו בדובאי

It is a great honor to be the first Israeli President to visit the “Land of Zayed” and a special privilege to celebrate Israel’s National Day here at Dubai Expo. I welcome this exciting opportunity to see this beautiful land, to get to know the Emirati people, and above all to meet His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the admired ruler of the United Arab Emirates. A- Salam Alaykum!

Expo 2020 Dubai is a remarkable celebration of each nation’s unique identity. It is also a reminder of what can be accomplished when we work together to breaks down borders by connecting minds and imagining a different future. A future in which the meeting of diverse faiths, cultures and creeds, does not lead to a clash of civilizations, but to an outpour of innovation.

A future in which the most valued natural resources are human ingenuity, curiosity and determination .A future in which peace represents collaboration, friendship and mutual respect. Joining you here, in Dubai, one of the most engaging and visited cities in the world, it is clear how fitting this venue is for expression and celebration of human creativity.

As the President of the State of Israel I am proud of Israel’s contribution to the vision of a common future, as we have seen on display over the past several months here, at the Israeli Pavilion. Israel is a modern-day miracle, an ancient homeland reborn as the home of cutting-edge innovation. It is a country in which obstacles become opportunities, and where the impossible is a tantalizing challenge. This Pavilion has provided a phenomenal taste of what we have to offer- from water tech and sustainable agriculture, to public health, to smart cities and groundbreaking solutions for a circular economy.

It has also been a stage for the beautiful mosaic of cultures, faiths, music and arts, that make up Israel’s vibrant society. And it has been a practical display of cooperation between nations, of the future we imagine. This imagination turned into reality when the UAE and its leaders daringly signed the historic Abraham Accords.

This was a decision not only to normalize ties, but to shape a new tomorrow for the next generation of both our nations and of the entire region. In the short time since the Accords were announced, our trade has already topped one billion, more than 120 agreements being signed between Israel and the UAE, and a one hundred-million-dollar bilateral R & D fund is currently in the making. Israelis and Emiratis are studying together, and learning each other’s languages, 250,000 Israelis have already visited the Emirates, and we await the many Emiratis traveling to Israel.

Part of the novelty of the UAE is the combination of an innovative spirit and forward- thinking approach, with deep respect for the glorious Muslim tradition. We, the people of Israel, as children of the same Abraham, share your high regard for religious faith bound with ingenuity. We admire the course you have charted. Friends, I hope, and I believe, that more and more nations will soon follow the UAE’s lead, and join the Abraham Accords.

Today we are showcasing the boundless potential of imagination and recalling the great fruits to be reaped from collaboration and meaningful exchange. I look forward to the great accomplishments that will undoubtedly emerge from the seeds planted right here, together. I would like to thank the Israeli MFA, The Jewish National Fund, and all those involved in building and operating our outstanding Pavilion.

The State of Israel is eager to walk with the UAE, and all the nations here at the Expo,אל המחר, نحو الغد  towards a brighter, more sustainable and more peaceful tomorrow, for our nations, our region and the entire world. Thank you very much.