Israel and Morocco agree to open embassies

Israel and Morocco have agreed to open embassies

The foreign ministers of Israel and Morocco have reached an agreement to expand diplomatic relations, including opening embassies and appointing ambassadors.

It is reported that a trilateral meeting took place between the parties in New York. It was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz.

The parties supported a number of steps aimed at developing relations between the two countries. In particular, it was decided to upgrade diplomatic missions to the level of embassies and to appoint ambassadors.

It was also agreed to increase flights between Israel and Morocco. In addition, work will continue on finalizing agreements regarding mutual investments and trade and economic relations.

**Historical background and concerns**

Morocco is one of four Arab countries (along with the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan) that normalized relations with Israel in 2020 with US support. Israel also has separate peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan.

These agreements had raised concerns among Palestinians. This is because there was a common position among Arab states, according to which Israel had to withdraw from the occupied territories and recognize the State of Palestine. Only then were Arab countries supposed to establish normal relations with Israel.

Earlier, it was reported that Israel's first embassy had opened in Slovenia and the countries had restored diplomatic relations.