By Smartencyclopedia Staff*

King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed gratitude to Israel for its stance on Western Sahara in a personal letter and emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s forthcoming official visit would create fresh opportunities to enhance bilateral relations.

Following Israel’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, the King extended an invitation to Netanyahu for an official visit, as confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. The visit is aimed at further fostering ties between the two nations.

In response to the invitation, Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita agreed to schedule a date for Netanyahu’s visit to Morocco in the near future.

Morocco has long considered Western Sahara as part of its territory, while the Polisario Front, with the backing of Algeria, demands an independent state in the region. In 2020, the United States recognized Morocco’s claim to the territory after Rabat normalized its relations with Israel, a move that was echoed by three other Arab countries, including the UAE.

The normalization of ties between Morocco and Israel has been met with varying reactions, with Palestinians viewing it as a betrayal of their national cause. However, the US State Department reiterated its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Furthermore, many other countries, mainly from Africa and the Arab world, have opened consulates in Western Saharan cities, Dakhla and Laayoune, in a show of support for Morocco’s position on the region.

In his letter, King Mohammed VI also welcomed Israel’s consideration of establishing a consulate in Western Sahara. The move is seen as a sign of strengthening relations between the two nations.

Despite these developments, efforts to upgrade Morocco’s liaison office in Israel to an embassy are still ongoing, according to a Moroccan government official. Importantly, Morocco remains committed to defending the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, wherein Palestinians aspire to establish an independent state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, areas currently occupied by Israel.

Source: With Agencies