WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Morocco and Israel have agreed to normalize relations.
Morocco is the fourth country since August to strike a deal aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. The others were the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan.
Celebrating his achievement, the US president took to Twitter, saying: Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations — a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!”
As part of the deal brokered by President Trump, the US will recognize Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region.
“Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!” Trump said in another tweet.
“Morocco recognized the United States in 1777. It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over Western Sahara.”
Under the agreement, Morocco will establish full diplomatic relations and resume official contacts with Israel, grant overflights and also direct flights to and from Israel for all Israelis.
“They are going reopen their liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv immediately with the intention to open embassies. And they are going to promote economic cooperation between Israeli and Moroccan companies,” White House senior adviser Jared Kushner was quoted as saying.
