Morocco and Israel sought today to boost regional cooperation and economic ties, inking three agreements on political consultation, air services and culture.
The two countries set out to establish ground for political consultation on bilateral relations, regional and international issues of common interest. Discussion should cover all fields, political as well as economic, commercial, scientific, technical and cultural.
“Today, we are changing (..) for the benefit of tourism and the economy, for trade and cultural exchange, for friendship and cooperation,” Lapid said during the signing ceremony with his Moroccan counterpart.
“This moment will improve our lives, because that is what peace does,” he added.
The Moroccan foreign minister said discussions with Lapid included talks on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recalling Morocco’s support for ” the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
He called for the return” to direct and meaningful negotiations, which will eventually lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
“We also discussed the tense situation in the Middle East and stresses the need to break out of the stalemate and inability to resume negotiations as the only way to reach a final, lasting and comprehensive solution on the basis of the two-state solution,” Bourita said.
Lapid’s trip today marks the first official visit of an Israeli delegation to Morocco in 20 years, with plans to open an Israeli liaison office in Rabat tomorrow.
Earlier today, Lapid and his delegation visited the mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Lapid’s visit to Morocco comes a few days after the start of the first direct commercial flight between Israel and Morocco.
A week ago, the first direct flight between Israel and Morocco landed in Marrakesh, and carried one hundred Israeli tourists,in a move aimed at attracting 50,000 Israeli tourists to Morocco by the end of the year.
Morocco had announced seven months ago the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel, as part of the US mediated Abraham deals.
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