Yaïr Lapid, the Israeli foreign minister, announced today that he and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, discussed “points of concern” related to the Algerian-Iranian rapprochement.

“We discussed Algeria’s role in the Sahara case but the arms agreements were not discussed, Lapid said in response to a press query concerning Israel’s position on the Sahara and arms deals.

“With the two-State solution, there are currently obstacles in the restoration of negotiations between the parties, due to the Palestinian division (the West Bank and Gaza) as well as the structure of the Israeli Government,” the Israeli source stated.

However, a number of journalists who attended the meeting stated that rigorous protocols were in place.

They were controlled and checked in three steps (first, checking the national card, then verifying the national card and vaccination, and last, inspecting the journalists and their baggage), which enraged a lot of Moroccan colleagues, notably the Israeli side’s treatment of them.

On Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yaïr Lapid stated that Moroccan and Israeli diplomats have achieved a deal to open the two nations’ embassies within the next two months.

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During a press conference following his visit to Morocco, Israeli Foreign Minister Yaïr Lapid stated that Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Africa and Moroccan Expatriates, had agreed this morning to normalize relations between the two countries and open embassies in Morocco and Israel within two months, which is expected to happen in October.
In accordance with the accompanying staff, Israeli Foreign Minister Yaïr Lapid started up the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, marking the first visit of an Israeli diplomat to Morocco since the two nations resumed diplomatic ties in 2020.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yaïr Lapid sent Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita a letter from Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking the Moroccan monarch to visit Israel, which reads: “His Majesty the King, Mohammed VI, it is my pleasure to see His Majesty in the near future. In the future years, we all want to strengthen collaboration for the benefit of both peoples. Please accept my greetings to the Royal Family and the Moroccan nation as a whole”.
President Herzog also thanked His Majesty the King on Royal Day, saying, “I have the honor to send my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the throne anniversary on behalf of the Israeli people and the State.” Accept our warmest wishes for Morocco’s and its people’s continuing growth and prosperity.
Foreign Minister Lapid emphasized that this letter demonstrates the importance of the two countries’ ties as well as Israel’s strong commitment to the two peoples’ peace accord.

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Moroccan and Israeli foreign ministers signed three agreements on Wednesday in Rabat marking a historic visit.

Nasser Bourita and Yaïr Lapid, signed agreements on political consultations, aviation, and culture.

To begin with, Moroccan Jews lived in Morocco in peace and goodwill throughout the most of this history. That is the reason why Morocco is considered a part of the identity of hundreds of thousands of Israelis.

However, as Yaïr Lapid stated, Moroccan Jews will not come as tourists to Morocco; instead, they will come as a family to learn more about their ancestry and heritage.

The Moroccan – Israeli bilateral relationship has a positive dynamic as a result of the collective agreements efforts.

Morocco and Israel formed five work groups to keep up with the current momentum in relations, encompassing such potential industries as scientific research, innovation, tourism, aviation, agriculture, energy, the environment, commerce, and investment.

Hence, two meetings were conducted by the multisectoral work groups, as well as continuous interactions with the appropriate ministerial sectors.

Decidedly, the two countries have signed three new agreements in the areas of aviation, youth, sports, and political consultations in order to add to the legal framework regulating bilateral ties.

For years to come, the signed agreements will bring innovation and opportunity to the two nations, benefiting each others children – and their children.

The Israeli Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI. “His vision and courage enabled us to be here today”.

He also thanked the Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, likewise, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, Nasser Bourita whom believed in the project from the beginning and helped driving it ahead, even through difficult times.

And then he thanked the staff at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Director General Alon Ushpiz, as well as the Minister of Labor and Welfare, Meir Cohen.

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Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Expatriates, will meet Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yaïr Lapid, on Wednesday, August 11 at 3 p.m., as part of a big délégation on a two-day working visit to Morocco.

Thus, the two ministers will discuss measures to strengthen bilateral relations as well as issues of mutual interest during their visit. They will also sign a number of collaboration agreements in several fields.

Hence, at the conclusion of the discussion, a news conference will be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Expatriates.

The presentation of a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test is required for attending at this conference.

On Thursday, Mr. Lapid will give a press conference at the Sofitel hotel Casablanca.

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MOn Friday, July 30th, the Moroccan Embassy in Australia commemorated the 22nd anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s enthronement.

The Ambassador, H.E Mr Karim Medrek, noted in a speech on the occasion that Throne Day is an opportunity to renew the pledge of allegiance that has embodied the Kingdom of Morocco throughout history, as well as the strong ties that unite the Moroccan people with their monarch as the commander of the faithful (Amir El Mu’minin) and the symbol of unity.

Full speech:

We are celebrating, today the 30th of July the Throne Day, which commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to the Throne of His glorious ancestors.

The celebration of Throne Day is an occasion to renew the pledge of allegiance that has embodied the Kingdom of Morocco throughout history and the strong ties that unite the Moroccan people with their monarch as the commander of the faithful.

This occasion coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Commonwealth of Australia.

We are living in an unprecedented moment where uncertainty becomes the rule. As we are facing, since March 2020, a multidimensional crisis, Leaders have been obliged to re-adjust their policies in order to overcome the challenges that this crisis has allowed to identify.

It is in such times when the real leaders appear and transmit somehow a positive energy despite all the difficulties. The management of the pandemic has proven Morocco’s robustness, rapidity and innovative capacities.

Morocco’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been guided, by the Royal Vision, which is based on the pillars of anticipation, pro-activity and the primacy of the citizen’s health.

The Kingdom has taken wise precautionary measures since the appearance of the Pandemic. These measures have been taken at an early stage in comparison with our neighborhood.

In terms of vaccination, Morocco has fully vaccinated more than 10 million beneficiaries, which represent 30% of the total population.

To reach its medical autonomy, the Kingdom has signed Agreements with two giant pharmaceutical leader companies to produce COVID 19 Vaccines for its self-sufficiency and for the African continent needs, in conformity with its principles of empathy, solidarity and responsibility.

Morocco has considered, indeed, this crisis as a revelation of the necessary systemic transformations and a driver for change despite all the difficulties posed by the pandemic.

Through this period of doubt, Morocco established an exhaustive inventory, by measuring its strengths and weaknesses and by identifying the challenges. During these past two decades, Morocco has made of human and social development, equality and social justice for the benefit of all Moroccans, its main priority.

The Kingdom has accelerated social projects, including those of the generalization of social coverage, family allowances, the compensation for job loss as well as the pension systems.

In its culture and history, Morocco has always succeeded to mix between the continuity and the change, the modernity and the tradition as well as between the respect of its past and the requirements of the future.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI has highlighted that the effects of the progress need to benefit to all segments of the Moroccan society. It was essential to rethink the development model and to put it in line with the evolutions witnessed by the Kingdom.

In this regard, a Special Commission for the Development Model has been set up to accelerate the transition towards a new model of development which will reinforce the human capital, a lever for the equality of chances & a crucial vector for the competitiveness of the country.

In its diplomacy, Morocco has always adopted an approach of sharing, interaction and dialogue that prevails in all its relations. Based on its doctrine, the Morocco has multiplied and diversified its partnerships of cooperation. The Kingdom has developed a credible and transparent “diplomacy”, acting in favor of the stability and security of the region and our continent.

I would like to seize this glorious occasion which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Morocco and Australia to reiterate that both countries despite the geographical distance are enjoying an unprecedented momentum of cooperation.

This celebration comes at a special moment of our bilateral relationship which has reached a high level of maturity. The political determination shown through the last four decades and half, in addition to the dynamic momentum of cooperation between the two countries, notably since the opening of the Australian Embassy in Rabat in 2017 can be a driver to expand cooperation in many unexplored domains.

In fact, this 45th anniversary is an occasion to reflect on ways to improve this successful partnership, as Morocco sees in Australia a reliable and a credible partner.

My task is to widen our relations, guarantee a long-term commitment, open up new opportunities for cooperation and improve common understanding between Moroccans and Australians.

There are significant opportunities to expand Australia’s trade and investment, mainly in Agriculture, Agro-Business industry, Mining, oil and gas, Water management, infrastructure, health and Education.

Beyond their bilateral ties, Morocco and Australia are on the same page on various regional and international issues, playing equally leading economic roles in their respective regions.

They have been deploying efforts on the multilateral level to fulfill a rules-based international order through significant actions and initiatives, bringing responses to a number of global issues of common interest. Morocco and Australia are known for their advocacy for an efficient multilateral system, especially in current times of the COVID-19.

There is, also, a regional context to our relationship. Australia knows that it can rely on the experience of Morocco in order to address many global issues.

Despite all the challenges it may face, the Moroccan-Australian relation keeps on moving forward and in the right direction.

Let me conclude by wishing that the everlasting friendship will further grow between Morocco and Australia, bringing more peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of both countries!

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Ambassador of Morocco to Kenya El Mokhtar Ghambou encouraged Nairobi to support Morocco’s plan for self autonomy in the Moroccan Sahara matter to find a solution of the artificial conflict.
‘The Moroccan diplomat who was the guest this weekend of the Kenyan show ‘My Story’ on KTN said ‘I appeal to the Kenyan government which currently sits in the Security Council as a non-permanent member to support our plan of Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.’
During his visit, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of taking seriously the problem of separatist movements in Africa which are present in at least 23 African countries, as outlined in its 2007 UN self-government plan, which provides a “practical” and “realization” solution to the Moroccan Sahara Regional Dispute.
“The fact that Kenya has always defended the territorial integrity of African countries does not overestimate Kenyans’ demand to change their position vis-à- vis the Sahara,” he continued.
The diplomat welcomed the Kenyan government’s decision in the next few months to examine the possibility of opening a residential embassy in Rabat, emphasizing the fact that the win-win aspect of Kenyan cooperation in Morocco is warranted by the two economies.
Noting that the Moroccan presence of Moroccan traveler Ibn Battouta in Kenya dates back to the 14th century, when he visited the Kenyan coastline in Mombasa and wrote on the Coastal Regions in Kenya, Ghambou noted that Kenyan history also has a strong friendship with the founder of the Kenyan nation Jomo Kenyatta and late HM King Hassan II.
“We are creating an Ibn Battouta (Ibn Battouta Africa Foundation) foundation, to reestablish our two nations’ economic and cultural cooperation,” he said.
The ambassador addressed the economic cooperation component and said that the Moroccan private sector, in particular in the areas of tourism, finance and insurance, is preparing to come and invest in Kenya.

He also spoke of South-South cooperation as a royal approach, recalling that with over 1000 economic agreements signed with its African partners, the Kingdom is the first African investor in Africa.
With regard to the 22nd anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s enthronement, the diplomat pointed out that it is a historical event that reflects the strong ties between the Moroccan people and the throne, as well as the annual opportunity to think about the Kingdom’s achievement as well as its challenges.
“My story” is a very popular Kenyan-style program that is often reserved to Kenya policy makers, ministers, leaders, governors and parliamentarians, every weekend from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first diplomat to be invited to this program is the Moroccan Ambassador.

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Accra- the suspension, if not ejection, of “SADR”, refers to armed group has no proportion in sovereign state, from African Union (AU) should not be accounted as taboo or an unachievable goal, said Tuesday the participants in a seminar held in Accra on the theme “the Compulsory Economic Recovery: How can the solution of the Sahara issue boosts African’s Regional and Continental Integration?”.

The participants in the event hosted by Ghanaian think tank Imani Centre for Policy and Education put in this regard the admission into the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), and its maintenance by the AU, which is a source of barriers and division.

According to a press released by the Imani Centre for Policy and Education, the participants of the AU should correct this “cumbersome legacy and historical miscarriage”

Thus, the interception, if not ejection, of the “SADR”, an armed group with no attributes of a Sovereign State, must not be considered as taboo or an inaccessible objective, they mentioned it.

“Its fulfilment is not intent on being an exclusively Moroccan ambition but one that drives African States to put an end to superfluous divisions, and to stop the instrumentalization of an organization which is supposed to serve a Pan-African ideal and goal.”

“The political deadlocks, such as Sahara issue, are, today, a major obstruction to African’s economic integration”. The participants of this event said.

They shed on light in this point the need to find realistic solutions to this longstanding issue, which can only make a gap in African’s regional and continental integration, especially in the current context, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic’s economics and social repercussions.

Many participants underlined that the resolution of the Sahara issue a needful step to support the continent’s economics integration, in regard to its current dynamics marked by the exclusively of the United Nations process and the pre-eminence of Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a sincere realistic, credible, and inclusive political solution.

In the current context, mark by the urgency of economic revival -for the unity, consolidation and the general safety of the continent –the recent event in Guerguerat demonstrates the need to solve the political deadlocks and fruitless ideological positions, they pointed out.

The Participants analyses: the three-weeks of obstruction by Polisario of an important and strategic road – connecting Europe, North Africa and Western Africa – put the neighbouring countries, the region and the whole continent’s economic security at risk.

It also showed the significance and weight of cooperation between Morocco and west- African countries, the source added.

Moreover, the participants deliberated the solutions available to the AU to rebalance its position on the affair, and play its neutral role in contributing to enhance a lasting solution to dispute that has been obstructing the AU’s functioning as well as the continent’s overall integration.

Due to the dynamics around the Sahara issue, the participants highlighted that the United Nations Security Council process could be supported by Ghana’s contribution to reach to final solution, in light of its upcoming non-permanent membership in the Security Council.

The incident bought together several Ghanaian and West-African, stakeholders, including prominent policymakers, experts, academics, business leaders, think tank and civil society representatives from the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal.

The seminar attempted to discuss the African Union’s current issues in an objective and scientific matter, in a highly intellectual and fact-base exercise with reliable experts and influential decision-makers. Accra being the host of African continental free Trade Agreement’s (AFCFTA) secretariat, the debates focused on the challenges of regional and continental economic integration, with more focus on the role of regional Economic Communities.

The participants insisted on necessity of integration and called for the full implementation of the AFCFTA and its expectations from any deadlocks that hinder the continent’s integration ideal on the ground.

Whilst economics combination represents an emergency and milestone in consolidation and development of African, it would be risked should the AU not rationalize its institutional arc.

Based on the debates, the integration of such architecture makes it imperative for the AU to complete its institutional reform and construct its resilience against separatist and secessionist agendas, which are a threat in several African countries.

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A press statement issued on Tuesday, July 27, Joey Hood met in Rabat with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita revolved around further promote the already strong U.S.-Morocco strategic partnership under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, as the commemoration of the bicentennial of the first U.S. diplomatic mission in Morocco – the Tangier American Legation – and celebrate over 200 years of friendship between the two countries.

Joey Hood expressed his gratitude for Morocco’s continuous and valuable support on issues of common interest such as peace in the Middle East, and stability, security, and development across the region and the African continent.

Not to mention also that the US has invested more than $15 million in Morocco’s COVID-19 pandemic response, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, the United States delivered over 300,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines to Morocco. These single-dose vaccines will supplement the Kingdom’s already massively successful vaccination campaign.

Joey Hood also expressed his excitement about the first commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Marrakech this past weekend. Noted that Morocco’s efforts to improve relations with Israel are welcomed by the United States as Morocco-Israel relations will benefit both countries in the long run.

Morocco is also a close partner of the US on a variety of security issues. It takes part in over 100 military engagements with US each year, including African Lion, the continent’s largest annual U.S. military exercise, which returned to Morocco last month after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Morocco is the only African country with which we have a Free Trade Agreement, and we and our firms see Morocco as a gateway to the continent. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the FTA’s implementation which both countries have reaped significant benefits, including the creation of thousands of jobs and a fivefold increase in trade volume–to $5 billion per year.

Concerning Western Sahara, the US supports a credible UN-led political process to stabilize the situation and end all hostilities. As Joey Hood said that they are consulting with the parties to determine the best way to put an end to the violence and eventually reach a permanent settlement and they are prepared to be actively engaged with all sides in support of that individual.

He concluded the statement by his excitement to visiting the National Library to see the Moroccan – US exhibition commemorating the bicentennial of the Legation and the deep historical ties that exist between the two countries, mentioning that exhibition is free and open to the public, and it will be on display at the National Library until October, when it will be relocated to the Slaoui Foundation in Casablanca.

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Relations between Morocco and Malawi have seen significant development in all areas since the southern African country withdrew its recognition of the ghostly “rasd,” said Tuesday in Rabat. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Residents Abroad.

“Today, there is the High Will of HM King Mohammed VI and President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera to further develop relations and activate bilateral cooperation mechanisms,” Bourita said. Who was speaking at a press briefing following his talks with his Malawian counterpart, Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka.

“We have agreed to hold a joint commission early next year to develop economic relations, particularly in the agricultural and technical fields, and academic support for Malawian students in Morocco through grants offered by the Moroccan state,” he said.

Morocco and Malawi have the same position on a number of issues, including those related to peace and security in sub-Saharan Africa, on which “cooperation will be very important”, the Minister continued. This development of relations with Malawi is, he added, part of the King’s High Will to open up to English-speaking African countries, to establish channels of communication with them and to agree on development projects in all fields, to this end the forthcoming opening of a Moroccan representation in Malawi.

Thus, the Moroccan Minister took the opportunity to thank his Malawian counterpart for his country’s firm and constant support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahara and its territorial integrity.

Referring to the opening of a consulate by Malawi in Laâyoune, Mr. Bourita pointed out that this consulate will be the 24th in the southern provinces and the 18th in an African country, or one third of the total number of African states.

“These States represent all regions of the African continent and Malawi will be the fifth member country of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to open a consulate in Moroccan Sahara, after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Eswatini and Madagascar”, he said, congratulating his Malawian counterpart on his country’s presidency of SADC starting next month.

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The Republic of Malawi has revealed its intention to open a consulate in Laayoune. This decision was announced by Eisenhower Nduwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malawi, after being received today in Rabat by Moroccan Minister for Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, who considered this decision to be a step with important diplomatic connotations, especially since Morocco is now open to 24 States with diplomatic representations in its southern territories.

Malawi thus joins the long list of countries that have decided to open a diplomatic representation in Moroccan Sahara.

That decision came as Malawi continued its steps of support for Morocco, which it had begun since 2017, following the withdrawal of its recognition of the Polisario Front.

After Tuesday morning’s meeting in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka revealed that a consul general would initially be appointed in Laayoune.

The Foreign Minister of Malawi also announced the forthcoming opening of his country’s embassy in Rabat. In return, Morocco announced its decision to open a diplomatic representation in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

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