Thank you for contacting me about the normalisation of relations between Israel and Bahrain, Sudan and UAE.
The normalisation of these relations, between countries that are great friends of the UK, is a historic and welcome step. It was encouraging to see that the normalisation between Israel and UAE in August also resulted in the suspension of Israel's plans to annex the West Bank. The UK has consistently opposed these plans, which would have been counterproductive to securing peace in the region.
I pay tribute to the work of the US in brokering these agreements, which are a much-needed boost for peace in the region and I urge others across the region to follow the example of the UAE and Bahrain.
While a representative of the UK was not present at the signing ceremony in the US, the Foreign Secretary met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, where he expressed the UK's support of the agreements.
Ultimately, however, there is no substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel, which is the only way to a reach a two-state solution and a lasting peace. I encourage both sides to resume direct talks and I will continue to follow developments closely.
