The renewal of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel is a "turning point" that has deepened existing historical ties, which is likely to favor "a broader peace in the Middle East", said U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, Yael Lempert.
"We see the Moroccan-Israeli normalization agreement not only as a positive element for Israel and Morocco individually, but also as an agreement that will contribute to the stability of the region and a really important element in achieving our strategic objectives," Lempert pointed out Thursday in Washington, on the occasion of a ceremony marking the 1st anniversary of the renewal of Moroccan-Israeli diplomatic relations within the framework of the Morocco-Israel-US tripartite agreement.
"A strong relationship between Israel and Morocco has the potential to contribute to a broader peace in the Middle East, including between the Israelis and the Palestinians," she said.
"We mark the anniversary of an agreement which represents a turning point, and which demonstrates to the whole world that great things are possible", she added.
Commenting the centuries-old ties between the Kingdom and the Jewish community, the US official noted that they "are among the oldest in the world."
"Just around the corner from the American Legation in Tangier is one of the city's oldest Jewish cemeteries, now protected by Muslim guards, a testament to Morocco's incredible tradition of religious tolerance," she stressed.
According to her, the process of re-establishing diplomatic relations has "revived and deepened the historic ties between Morocco and Israel".
In this regard, she said that Israelis and Moroccans are already benefiting as "trade and tourism are developing, creating new opportunities for all, including young people and marginalized communities, cultural programs and exchanges academics bridge the gaps and strengthen a culture of tolerance."
Very recently, Israel and Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, she recalled.
The embassies of Morocco and Israel in the United States celebrated, in Washington, the first anniversary of the Morocco-Israel-US tripartite agreement which triggered a dynamic of cooperation in the service of development and peace, with in particular the resumption of Moroccan-Israeli diplomatic relations.
Chaired by the Moroccan ambassador in Washington, Lalla Joumala Alaoui, and the ambassador of Israel, Michael Herzog, this ceremony, organized in collaboration with the American Jewish Committee and the Watergate Group, took place in the presence of several high-profile guests, including congressmen, diplomats and representatives of the political, economic and cultural circles of the U.S. capital.
