Israel and Morocco Agree to Deepen Diplomatic Ties, Open Embassies

Israel and Morocco have agreed to strengthen their diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors, according to a statement released by the official Arabic X account of the Israeli government. The agreement was reached on Wednesday in New York during a summit marking the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, mediated by U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.

Both nations, alongside the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to a series of steps aimed at advancing bilateral ties. This includes improving diplomatic relations and appointing diplomatic missions to embassies. The statement also indicated that Israel and Morocco have agreed to finalize two economic agreements by the end of the current year. These agreements are intended to boost economic and commercial relations, covering areas such as investment protection and the prevention of double taxation.

Further agreements include the expansion of flight routes to include services operated by Moroccan airlines, scheduled to commence by year's end. The summit also saw commitments for frequent visits by senior officials between Israel and Morocco.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi stated, "The friendship between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples has deep roots and a glorious history. The declaration we signed details practical ways to upgrade the ties between Israel and Morocco for the benefit of both peoples, and we will work diligently to implement it." Morocco was one of four countries, alongside the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan, that moved to normalize relations with Israel in 2020 under the U.S.-brokstein Abraham Accords.