'IRENA office doesn't represent change in UAE stand on Israel'

The UAE has said Israel opening a office of IRENA in Abu Dhabi does not represent any change in position of the Gulf nations or its relations with Israel.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an independent international agency that works according to the laws, regulations and norms that govern the work of such organisations, said Maryam Al Falasi, the Director of Communications at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The functions of missions accredited to IRENA are limited to affairs related to their communications and dealings with the agency, Al Falasi said in a statement.
"They do not, under any circumstances, cover any other activities and do not involve any obligation upon the host country with regards to its diplomatic relations or any other relations," state-run WAM news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Israel will soon open an office at IRENA in Abu Dhabi, even though the two nations have no diplomatic relations.
The Israel representative will be attached to the IRENA council. The Israeli mission was approved following intensive diplomatic talks between Israel and the UAE including a visit by Ministry of Foreign Affairs director general Dore Gold to Abu Dhabi last week.