Tel Aviv, Dec 15 (IANS): The Energy Ministries of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have kicked-off discussions on cooperation in several key energy fields, an official statement issued here said.

For this purpose, the two Ministries have established three joint work groups to promote future energy collaborations, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying on Monday.

The first workgroup discussed in an online meeting natural gas and fuels issues, and the potential for future collaborations in these areas.

The second group discussed renewable energies and innovation, including goals and objectives in these fields and the common future challenges.

The third group, which will convene in the coming weeks, will deal with cyber protection issues for energy infrastructure.

Following the groups' discussions, professionals from both Ministries are expected to hold joint workshops, and promote innovative projects.

Israel and the UAE agreed to formally normalise their relations in mid-August and signed a normalisation agreement at the White House on September 15.

The Arab states of the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have recognised Israel in recent months.