Today, a year ago, Israel and Morocco, with the help of the United States, signed a framework agreement to renew full diplomatic relations between them. This is a renewal of relations, since the two countries already established diplomatic relations at the level of liaison offices in the 1990s. Peace relations with Israel for the first time Two main factors differentiate the relations that were established at the time between Israel and Morocco and the current circumstances: the establishment of full diplomatic relations, and the establishment of direct airlines between the two countries.
Relations between Israel and Morocco are built on solid cultural and social ties, which have been maintained and nurtured for decades by the Moroccan community in Israel and the Jewish community in Morocco.
Despite the disconnect that existed at the diplomatic level, thousands of Israelis visited Morocco every year, and there were extensive relations between the civil societies.
The Israeli mission headed by me has been working since the beginning of this year to establish an embassy.
We have set up a temporary representation, which will serve us for the next few years until the construction of the permanent embassy.
At the same time, we are working to recruit personnel and are working to expand relations with representatives of the government and the private sector.
This is a gradual process that requires learning from the other party and identifying common interests and interests.
Since the beginning of the year we have signed a large number of agreements and memoranda of understanding in a wide range of areas, designed to anchor the legal framework of the relationship.
At the same time, we have set up working groups on various topics to translate the collaborations to the practical level.
In addition, we enabled the arrival of Moroccan students to study in Israel and promoted academic and scientific collaboration between universities and research institutes.
Foreign Minister Lapid's historic visit in August was groundbreaking and unique.
Minister Lapid inaugurated the Israeli delegation in Rabat, signed a series of agreements and paved the way for Defense Minister Ganz's visit a few months later.
The Memorandum of Understanding for Security Cooperation, signed between Israel and Morocco during the visit, was unprecedented, including at the level of Israel's relations with the Arab world, and constitutes a significant upgrade of relations between the two countries.
The potential in the economic field is great.
We created opportunities for mutual learning of the economic and business environments through webinars, in which hundreds of companies from Israel and Morocco participated.
The Minister of Economy's visit to Morocco at the beginning of next year will be an important milestone, during which an extensive economic framework agreement will be signed.
During the month of July, we inaugurated the Israeli companies' debut flights to Morocco.
This was the first time that direct aviation relations had been established between the countries.
Beyond the economic, tourist and commercial benefits, the flights will allow a good acquaintance between the two peoples.
Since the establishment of direct flights, there has been a steady increase in the number of Israeli tourists arriving in Morocco as well as an increase in the number of Moroccans seeking to arrive in Israel.
We maintain close ties with the Jewish community.
On Hanukkah, we lit Hanukkah candles together in the synagogues of Rabat and Casablanca, and participated in the celebration of R. David Ben Baruch.
These were exciting moments for us and for the members of the Jewish community, who were privileged to see an official Israeli representation on Moroccan soil.
The most significant challenge is to translate peace into reality for the well-being and benefit of both parties.
Another challenge is to prove that true peace can exist between peoples in the Middle East, and not just between governments.
I am confident that the historic heritage of Morocco, characterized by tolerance, moderation and coexistence, alongside the leadership of His Majesty King Muhammad VI, will serve as an example and role model for the peace of brotherhood and evil among the peoples of the region.
The author is Israel's ambassador to Morocco
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