Context:
Three-year anniversary of the signing of the historic Abraham Accords was observed recently.
About Abraham Accords:
- It is a series of peace agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, UAE being the first.
- In 2020, it was mediated by USA between UAE, Bahrain and Israel.
- With this, UAE became the 3rd Arab country to recognise Israel after Egypt (1979)and Jordan (1994).
- Sudan and Morocco have also joined the Accord in 2020.
- The name “Abraham” refers to the great father of the faith of the 3 Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- It is a symbolic title that promotes unity between Arabic and Jewish people by recognizing the shared patriarch.
- Key Features of the Accord –
- Eases Connectivity: Launch of direct flights between the countries.
- Establishes peace in the region and reduce military aggressions of Israel.
- Access to Holy site of Islam, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to the citizens of the signatory countries.
- Significance – Formation of new strategic grouping like I2U2.
About I2U2:
- I2U2 initiative is a new grouping of India, Israel, USA and UAE.
- It was established as an international forum to discuss common areas of mutual interest, strengthen economic partnership in trade and investment in respective regions and beyond.
- Also referred to as the ‘West Asian QUAD’.
- I2U2 lacks a military angle and focuses on the economy.
- 6 areas of cooperation – water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
- It intends to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize infrastructure, low carbon development pathways for industries, improve public health, and promote development of critical emerging and green technologies.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements about G-20:
1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
