Israel and Morocco Commit to Enhanced Diplomatic Relations
Today, on September 16, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar convened a significant trilateral diplomatic summit in New York alongside Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz facilitating the discussions. This summit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the diplomatic bonds between Israel and Morocco, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. Following this summit, Foreign Minister Sa’ar is scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with Minister Bourita to further discuss cooperative strategies and initiatives.
During the summit, representatives from the three nations reaffirmed their dedication to a comprehensive set of measures aimed at elevating the relationship between Israel and Morocco. Key among these initiatives is the agreement to upgrade diplomatic relations, which includes the elevation of diplomatic missions to the status of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors. This move signifies a crucial step forward in formalizing and strengthening the ties that bind these two nations.
Moreover, Israel and Morocco have committed to finalizing agreements related to investment protection and the prevention of double taxation by the end of 2026. These agreements are expected to create a more conducive environment for mutual investments, thereby bolstering economic and commercial interactions between the two countries, ultimately benefiting their respective populations. In addition, the summit participants agreed to expand flight options between Israel and Morocco, allowing Moroccan airlines to operate routes to Israel, a development anticipated to be realized by the conclusion of 2026.
Furthermore, the summit laid the groundwork for high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries in the forthcoming months, signaling a deepening of diplomatic engagement. Israel extends its gratitude to the United States for its vital role in fostering peace and security, which made this trilateral summit feasible and helped to fortify the relationship between Israel and Morocco.
This important diplomatic gathering occurred just a day after Ambassador Waltz hosted an event at his residence to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, which saw participation from representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Israel, and the United States. In reflecting on the historical ties between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples, Foreign Minister Sa’ar emphasized the significance of the declaration signed at the summit, stating, "The friendship between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples has deep roots and a rich history. The declaration we signed today outlines practical ways to upgrade ties between Israel and Morocco for the benefit of both peoples, and we will work to implement it."
As reported by gov.il.
