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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |