Israel and Morocco Agree to Upgrade Diplomatic Ties, Expand Flights

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Pence in New York for a trilateral summit brokered by the United States. The meeting aimed to strengthen Israeli-Moroccan relations, with both countries committing to several steps to upgrade their diplomatic ties. These include elevating their respective representative offices to embassies and appointing ambassadors.

Further agreements reached during the summit include the finalization of investment protection and double taxation avoidance treaties by the end of 2026, intended to facilitate mutual investments and boost economic and business connections. Additionally, direct flights between Israel and Morocco will be expanded to include flights operated by Moroccan airlines, expected to commence within the coming weeks.

The summit also established plans for reciprocal high-level visits between the two nations in the upcoming months. The Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its leadership in fostering peace and security, which enabled the summit and contributed to reinforcing bilateral relations.

The meeting followed a reception hosted by Ambassador Pence celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, attended by representatives from the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Israel, and the U.S. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi highlighted the deep historical ties between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples, stating that the signed declaration outlines practical ways to enhance relations for the benefit of both nations.