The past year has seen many changes around the world, not all for the better. However, in the Middle East, there has been one remarkable development, which has the potential to transform the region in ways that we can only begin to imagine -- the Abraham Accords.
On Sept 15, 2020, a historic event took place on the White House lawn. Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed the US-brokered peace and normalisation agreements known as the Abraham Accords. On Dec 10, 2020 Israel and Morocco resumed diplomatic relations. On its first anniversary, we celebrate not only the accords but also the remarkable achievements accomplished within a year, even under the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although Morocco's relationship with Israel preceded the Abraham Accords by decades, Morocco recognises and fully subscribes to the significant impetus generated by the resumption and revival of relations.
This recent rapprochement between Morocco and Israel can be explained, in general, through the historic role that Morocco has always played in promoting peace and stability in the region. In particular, history reminds us that Morocco is a model of harmonious interaction and coexistence between Muslims and Jews, reflecting a high level of tolerance between religions that has characterised Morocco throughout the ages. These historical links are even materialised in Morocco's constitutional preamble that enumerates the richness and diversity of Moroccan identity.
At the same time, since its establishment, Israel has reached out to countries in the region, seeking peace. This is in accordance with the vision of Israel's founders of a Jewish and democratic state living in peace, harmony and prosperity with its neighbours.
This resumption of bilateral relations between Morocco and Israel expresses the strong will and conviction of His Majesty Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, who personally chaired the signing of the Tripartite Agreement (Morocco-USA-Israel) which laid the foundation of this revitalised relationship. A relationship that, as stated by the Moroccan sovereign, draws its strength from the strong attachment of the Moroccan Jewish community to the kingdom and the unfailing links between this community, including the one present in Israel, and the King.
The accords strengthen bonds between nations and peoples. They have created promising opportunities for bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. As of today, more than 20 agreements in the fields of energy, sustainability, tourism, security and many more have been signed by Morocco and Israel. This in addition to the opening and operation of diplomatic representations respectively in Rabat and Tel Aviv, the creation of a platform for dialogue and cooperation involving five sectoral working groups from both countries, the opening of channels of communication between the business community and more. Another page of history was turned last month when Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid, departed to Rabat. This is the second high-level official visit in less than a year following the successful visit of national security adviser, Meir Ben-Shabbat, to Morocco in 2020.
The warm relations gradually glided from national leaders into every facet of society, and are currently gaining momentum between individuals and societies at an unprecedented pace. Winston Churchill was right when he said that peace would not be preserved by pious sentiments.
The significance of people-to-people relations cannot be underestimated. As Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said during the inauguration of Israel's Embassy in Abu Dhabi (UAE), "Agreements are signed by leaders, but peace is made between peoples." This is ultimately proved by the deep connections between Israel and Morocco. The glorious Jewish-Moroccan community, a pillar stone of Israel's society, has been longing for decades to visit Morocco in order to visit their roots on a direct flight departing from Tel Aviv. There are now 20 direct flights per week operating between the nations.
These brave countries aspire to continue the development initiated by the Abraham Accords. We are confident that agreements like these can bring about most needed change in the conflict, and introduce a peaceful coexistence in the region. After all, peace begets peace. In the face of shared threats, the normalisation process serves as a tool to effectively empower moderate forces in the region. In this regard, and as stated recently by the Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, "There is a need to establish a new 'regional order', in which Israel is a stakeholder rather than an 'outsider in its own region'".
The courageous steps taken by these pioneer leaders represent a mandatory decision to build a future of unity that will benefit all of our people. They have lit the path to a new hopeful reality in the region, the reality that brings a brighter future with peace, security and prosperity to all.
Abdelilah El Housni is ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Kingdom of Thailand. Orna Sagiv is Charge d'Affaires of the embassy of Israel.
