What happened
Israel and Morocco have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors, marking a significant milestone in the Abraham Accords. The agreement was reached during a trilateral meeting in New York between US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
The two countries also agreed to reinstate direct flights, finalize agreements on investment protection and avoidance of double taxation, and expand cooperation in various fields such as trade, finance, and regional security. Additionally, they reaffirmed US and Israeli recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The discussion also touched on the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, with Waltz focusing on the regional threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis and their attacks on international shipping. Sa'ar emphasized the importance of cooperation among countries with shared interests, citing the threats at Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
Bourita highlighted Morocco's experience in demonstrating that relations with Israel can provide Arab governments with practical tools to help Palestinians, citing Morocco's humanitarian work in Gaza as an example. Waltz praised Morocco's efforts, saying that they are contributing to a more peaceful future in the region.
