Middle East Monitor – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita confirmed that Rabat had taken the decision to normalise relations with the occupation “out of conviction” and will go as far as possible in developing bilateral cooperation with Israel.
Speaking at an event organised by the controversial lobby group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Bourita said: “All the tools for cooperation with Israel are available, and also the political will. I hope that we will exchange high-level visits very soon.”
“A tripartite agreement was signed between Morocco, Israel, and the United States, which is a legally binding document that includes the US’ recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Morocco’s commitment to developing relations with Israel in exchange for and the latter’s commitment to cooperate with the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Regarding relations with Iran, the Moroccan official asserted: “We, as allies, need to coordinate work to confront Iranian threats related to nuclear activities. Iran is also acting to destabilise North Africa and West Africa.”
“Iran has threatened the territorial integrity and security of Morocco by supporting, training and arming the Polisario militias. Iran is also extending its activities in West Africa through Hezbollah, and today we are still vigilantly countering the Iranian threats to the security of the Moroccan people.”
On 10 December, Morocco and the Israeli occupation state announced the resumption of diplomatic relations, which were suspended in 2000. It became the fourth Arab state to build ties with the occupation state last year.
AIPAC is the most powerful Israeli lobby group in the United States and many have questioned whether it has too much influence over successive US administrations, as well as in Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
