Israel's Diplomatic Initiative with Morocco and the EU
In a significant diplomatic move, Israel has proposed the European Union to initiate collaborative projects with Morocco, a development that comes just days after announcing an agreement to elevate liaison offices between Rabat and Tel Aviv to full-fledged embassies. This proposal was put forth by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar during a telephone conversation on September 20 with Dubravka Šuica, the European Commissioner responsible for the Mediterranean region. According to reports from EFE, Saar suggested the encouragement of joint projects involving Israel, Morocco, and the European Union, signaling a potential expansion of their diplomatic and economic relationships.
Exploring New Avenues of Cooperation
Saar also highlighted the "positive advancements" in the diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco, particularly following the announcement made on September 16 regarding their intention to establish embassies and appoint ambassadors in place of the current liaison offices. The Israeli proposal aims to incorporate a European dimension into the newly strengthened ties between Morocco and Israel, potentially allowing the three entities to collaborate on regional projects, although the specifics of such initiatives remain unspecified.
During the same discussion, Saar and Šuica touched upon two humanitarian projects supported by the European Union in Gaza, which focus on wastewater treatment and waste management. The European Commissioner noted that they also addressed the broader relationship between the European Union and Israel, regional stability, and the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, as reported by Reuters.
This initiative emerges at a time when both Rabat and Tel Aviv are eager to boost their economic exchanges, finalize agreements concerning investment protection and double taxation, and increase direct flight options. Many Moroccan businesses are particularly hopeful for the return of Israeli tourists, viewing it as a vital source of economic revitalization.
As reported by bladi.net.
