Lapid congratulates MBZ on selection as new UAE leader

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid congratulates Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his selection as the UAE’s news president following the death of his brother.

“Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nayhan is continuing the path of his father and brother, who founded the country on the basis of tolerance and peace, and has shown his leadership in redesigning the Middle East for partnership, peace and cooperation for the wellbeing of the next generations,” Lapid says.

He adds that the Jewish state will keep working with the new Emirati ruler, who is commonly referred to by his initials MBZ, “for a better world and fraternity between the nations.”

Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog’s office confirms he will depart for Abu Dhabi tomorrow to represent Israel at the funeral of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A statement says Herzog will be in the United Arab Emirates for a few hours and will meet MBZ “alongside other leaders.” It was unclear if the two will hold a tete-a-tete.