Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and advisor, marked the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords by highlighting the agreements’ impact and calling for expanded regional cooperation.
Kushner, who helped architect the Abraham Accords, said the agreements launched "a new chapter of peace, partnership, and prosperity in the Middle East."
"Many said it was impossible," Kushner said. "But with courageous leadership, persistence, and a small group of people willing to challenge old assumptions, we proved that the impossible could be achieved."
Kushner said the accords were based on moving away from approaches that focused on division and instead building relationships between countries and peoples.
"The idea behind the Abraham Accords was simple: instead of reinforcing the things that divide people, build bonds that bring them together," he said.
He pointed to increased understanding, trade and investment, security cooperation and other benefits as key elements of the agreements.
"What began as a bold vision has delivered billions in trade, joint innovation, new friendships and partnerships, and a powerful alternative to the failed approaches of the past," Kushner said.
Kushner said the Middle East is again at "an inflection point," with opportunities that some may consider impossible.
"The Abraham Accords showed that a different path is possible," he said. "Now we have an opportunity to build an even broader movement around cooperation, shared prosperity and security."
He concluded by expressing confidence that the achievements of the Abraham Accords could be repeated.
"We surprised the world once," Kushner said. "With the right leadership, focus, patience and courage, I believe we can do it again."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also marked the anniversary, describing the agreements as an important milestone for regional peace.
"The 6th anniversary of the Abraham Accords, forged by your team under President Trump’s leadership, is an important milestone for peace in the Middle East," Herzog said.
He said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the partnerships built across the region while also looking toward the future.
"It is also a moment to look to the future and chart the road ahead together," Herzog said.
"I firmly believe that this is just the beginning," he added. "Now is the time for us all to work to expand this circle of peace across the Middle East to the benefit of all our peoples."