Israel is to open a diplomatic liaison office to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, in what will be its first representative office in the United Arab Emirates.
Citing Israeli diplomats, the news agency 'Reuters' reported Friday that the representation would not be a full mission, but consist of a diplomat assigned to the renewable energy agency. Nevertheless, it will be the first time an Israeli Foreign Ministry official is permanently stationed in the Persian Gulf country.
Israel does not have formal diplomatic relations with any Middle Eastern state except Egypt and Jordan.
Dore Gold, director-general of Israel's Foreign Ministry, visited Abu Dhabi earlier this week to participate in the biannual meeting of the IRENA Council. He also met with IRENA Director-General Adnan Amin and discussed with him the opening of the mission, according to 'Haaretz'.
The newspaper also reported that adiplomat Rami Hatan had been appointed to head the Israeli legation and will depart for Abu Dhabi soon.
