Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE on Friday he invited Moroccan King Mohammed VI to visit the Jewish state, while the two countries strengthen their new diplomatic relations.
Netanyahu’s office said the two leaders had a “warm and friendly” conversation, during which the invitation was extended.
“The leaders congratulated each other on renewing ties between the countries, signing the joint declaration with the United States and the agreements between the two countries,” according to the statement from Netanyahu’s office.
“In addition, the processes and mechanisms for implementing the agreements have been determined,” he added.
The discussion comes after the Trump administration concluded a peace agreement between the two countries. Israel and Morocco have long had informal ties.
Senior Councilor at the White House Jared Kushner
Jared Corey Kushner Pompeo: The US will set up a diplomatic post in the disputed Western Sahara. Kushner flies on first commercial flight between Israel and Morocco GOP senator for pardons Trump: “This is rotten to the ground” MORE this week flew aboard the first direct commercial flight from Israel to Morocco.
King Mohammed’s office said in a statement on Friday that it “recalled the strong and special ties between the Moroccan Jewish community and the Moroccan monarchy” and “welcomed the resurgence of cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the state of Israel.”
Morocco was the fourth majority Arab country to make peace with Israel this year, after the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan.
The Trump administration has recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, which is being challenged as part of the agreement.
Muslim countries have long resisted forming ties with Israel, as long as there is no agreement with the Palestinians on establishing a state of their own. However, the shift of regional alliances with Israel and the Gulf nations against Iran has shaken the traditional Middle East calculus.
In its statement, King Mohammed’s office said it “reiterated the consistent, unwavering and unchanging position of the Kingdom of Morocco on the Palestinian issue and the Kingdom’s pioneering role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Updated at 17:21