Israel’s Lapid in Morocco to cement diplomatic, economic ties
The two-day visit in Rabat of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is not only historic diplomatically, it also cements growing trade relations between the two countries.
RABAT, Morocco — Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid arrived Aug. 11 in Rabat for a two-day visit. It is the first official visit by an Israeli foreign minister since 2003 and the highest-level Israeli official trip since the signing of the Abraham Accords last year to reestablish bilateral ties. At the Rabat airport, Lapid was greeted by Morocco’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mohcine Jazouli and Foreign Ministry Director-General Fouad Yazur. Lapid later met extensively with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and also held a meeting with Morocco’s Tourism Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui.
The prime minister of Morocco, Saadeddine El Othmani, of the Islamic Justice and Development Party, refused to meet with Lapid. This party did not support the renewal of relations with Israel, a move that King Mohammed VI advanced with the support of only part of his government.
