The Israeli Foreign Ministry this week named Shimon Shamir to serve as the first Israeli ambassador to Jordan.
A Middle Eastern studies professor at Tel Aviv University, Shamir served as ambassador to Egypt from 1986 to 1989.
According to Israeli news reports, Shamir was chosen for the position during a meeting between Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, ending months of disagreement between the two regarding the appointment.
Jordan, which has already named Marwan Muasher as its ambassador to Israel, welcomed Shamir’s appointment, Israel Radio reported.
A Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the appointment proved that Israel wants to create a strong relationship with Israel.
The two countries established full diplomatic ties after signing their historic peace accord last October, bringing to an end their 46-year state of war.
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