Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
In a significant diplomatic advancement, Morocco and Israel have agreed to upgrade their liaison offices to full embassies and appoint ambassadors. This pivotal announcement was made on September 16, 2023, during a meeting in New York attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz. This decision marks a new chapter in the bilateral relations that were re-established in December 2020, reflecting a commitment to enhance the institutional and economic frameworks that govern their interactions.
The recent agreement comes after a period characterized by a notable increase in bilateral exchanges, followed by a marked slowdown due to the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023. During this tumultuous time, Israel recalled its diplomatic personnel from Rabat, leading to the suspension or reduction of various cooperation initiatives between the two nations.
Economic Cooperation and Direct Air Links
Economic collaboration is a cornerstone of the newly adopted declaration. Morocco and Israel aim to finalize a reciprocal investment protection agreement and a convention to avoid double taxation by the end of 2026. These agreements are expected to provide legal security for investors and clarify the tax treatment of economic activities conducted across their borders, thereby facilitating reciprocal investments and enhancing trade relations.
Furthermore, air transport is set to regain its significance in the diplomatic ties between the two countries. According to Israeli sources, Moroccan airlines are poised to launch direct flights to Israel in the coming weeks, nearly three years after flights were halted following the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023. Before this suspension, air travel had seen considerable growth, with five routes operated by four carriers, including Royal Air Maroc's connection from Casablanca to Tel Aviv. Notably, Israeli airline Arkia resumed flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech last August, operating twice weekly.
Beyond economic and aviation announcements, both nations have planned reciprocal visits by high-ranking officials in the upcoming months. This meeting in New York reflects the ongoing commitment to rejuvenate several bilateral initiatives, aligning with the broader diplomatic goals established in 2020.
Reflecting on the historical ties between Moroccans and Jews, Gideon Saar emphasized the importance of the measures agreed upon in New York, underscoring the shared commitment to building a stronger relationship between Morocco and Israel. The meeting also coincided with a reception hosted by Mike Waltz to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, which included representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Israel, and Kazakhstan.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
