Abraham Accord signing: top quotes from the signing ceremony

Donald Trump and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed provide some of the most memorable lines

US President Donald Trump(R) meets with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyanin in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, September 15, 2020, prior to the signing of the Abraham Accords, where Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates will recognize Israel. Israel was to normalize relations with long-time foes Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates at a White House ceremony on Tuesday in a US-brokered peace deal which President Donald Trump hopes will boost his reelection chances in November. / AFP / SAUL LOEB
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A special ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, hosted by US President Donald Trump, included bilateral meetings between the parties and Mr Trump, and speeches before the official signing of the Abraham Accord.

After the gallery, which chronicles the historic occasion, are some of the most memorable lines from the day.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed

In his speech at the White House the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation delivered these emotive words:

"I stand here today to extend a hand of peace and receive a hand of peace.

"Today, we are already witnessing a change in the heart of the Middle East, a change that will send hope around the world."

President Trump

During an Oval Office meeting with Sheikh Abdullah and the UAE delegation, US President Donald Trump spoke of the pioneering role the UAE is taking with its normalising of relations with Israel.

"Being the first is very important, it is very important that you be the first because you are leading the path, leading a way," Mr Trump said.

When asked in the Oval Office about what his message to the Palestinians is, he said: "I think they are seeing what is happening and we've been given very strong signals that they'd like to be a part of what is happening.

"We will see the Palestinians at some point but before we see the Palestinians we will see other very important countries come into this transaction.

"They would be here today, frankly, if we wanted that ... you are going to have peace without blood on the sand ... "

Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani

In his remarks ahead of the signing ceremony Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani said that the accord represented a rare chance for lasting peace in the region.

"We can see before us a golden opportunity for peace, security and prosperity for our region. Let us together ... waste no time in seizing it."