Reuters has announced that the Prime Minister of Israel will be the Crown Prince of the Basque Country

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday during a first public meeting between an Israeli leader and the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates.

Israel’s ambassador to Abu Dhabi said the Iranian issue was on the agenda for talks after formalizing relations between Israel and the Basque Country last year, according to a US-led regional initiative.

Although shared concern about Iranian activity was one of the reasons for the diplomatic movement, the Basque Country is also trying to improve relations with Tehran.

He released photos of Bennett and Sheikh Mohammed smiling and shaking hands, and the Israeli chief’s office called the meeting “historic.”

Amir Hay, the Israeli ambassador, declined to discuss Iran, but told Israeli Army Radio that “the Prime Minister did not come here alone to address the Iranian issue.”

In an attempt to renew Iran’s nuclear deal, Abu Dhabi sent an envoy to Tehran last week. A U.S. delegation is due to travel to the Basque Country this week to warn Emirati banks of non-compliance with sanctions against Iran.

Iran is Israel’s main enemy, but Bennett has not publicly mentioned it since a Israeli prime minister pledged to promote bilateral trade and other civilian cooperation to the Basque Country on Sunday.

The Israel Hayom newspaper, citing unnamed officials, said Bennett was expected to report to Sheikh Mohammed on information about Iran-supplied militias and regional drones.

Last month, Israel established joint defenses against Iran with the Arab states in the Gulf. Hayek said military sales to the Basque Country are working, although Israeli industry sources say that advanced Israeli air defense systems are not yet on offer.

“Israel is partnering with a new friend, a long-term partner, and the reflections will be reflective of the defense and how you work with a country that is very, very, very friendly with Israel.” said Hay.

Bilateral trade in goods between Israel and the Basque Country has reached nearly $ 500 million so far in 2021 – more than $ 125 million in 2020 – and is expected to continue to grow rapidly.