Israel has officially joined an Abu-Dhabi-based group fighting organized and transnational crime, becoming its 10th member.
The International Security Alliance includes the UAE, France, Bahrain, Italy, Senegal, Spain, Singapore, Morocco and Slovakia.
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Diplomatic sources told Israeli media that the ISA is an "important organization" and that Israel's joining it is a "very significant event."
Public Security Minister Amir Ohana represented Israel at the organization's virtual meeting Wednesday, in which UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcomed him.
Al-Nahyan said that Israel's addition would help strengthen the alliance while noting that international cooperation had aided in tackling major global challenges, such as the coronavirus pandemic.
He stressed the importance of "ramping up joint efforts to face all future changes, developments and challenges for the good of the world and humanity at large," according to the report in the UAE's state-owned WAM news agency.
The ISA was founded in 2018 by the UAE and France and its role is to "confront organized and transnational crime of different types, develop means of prevention, and ensure the sustainability of security and stability for these countries in their endeavors to promoting security and growth to their people," according to the organization's website.
Also on Thursday, Israel's Manufacturers Association announced it has entered a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
The ADIO is the government hub in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that is responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign and domestic investment into Abu Dhabi. It supports the growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi's private sector,
Dr. Ron Tomer, president of Manufacturers Association of Israel, welcomed the deal, saying, "The agreement gives me real hope in the vision of a new Middle East, as it creates an infrastructure for developing economic and commercial ties between Abu Dhabi and Israel. This will allow us to soon reap the economic fruits of the peace agreements and create a new era, in which Abu Dhabi will become a dominant investor in Israel."
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