Strengthening Relations Through Diplomatic Initiatives
In a significant development following the Abraham Accords, Morocco and Israel are set to elevate their diplomatic relations by appointing ambassadors to each other’s capitals for the first time since the normalization of ties in 2020. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced this decision after a trilateral meeting with U.S. officials in New York on the social platform X. The agreement aims to transform the existing liaison offices in both nations into fully operational embassies. Morocco was one of four Arab countries that took steps towards normalizing relations with Israel as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020.
The establishment of regular embassies was initially outlined as a goal for normalization back in 2020, and the recent agreement reached in New York now sets this plan into motion. In addition to the ambassadorial appointments, a joint statement released by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations indicates that both countries plan to resume direct flights—conducted by both Israeli and Moroccan airlines—between Morocco and Israel before the end of the year. Furthermore, both nations aim to finalize agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation by year-end.
Foreign Minister Saar emphasized the importance and potential of the relationship between Israel and Morocco for their respective peoples, expressing gratitude to the United States for its pivotal role in strengthening these ties. This collaborative effort reflects a broader trend, as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan also began normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, which marked a significant shift by breaking the long-held principle that normalization should only occur after resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In exchange for Morocco's recognition of Israel, the U.S. and Israel acknowledged Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, a territory with a contentious international status. This recent affirmation strengthens Morocco's diplomatic position on the global stage.
As reported by news.de.
