President Donald Trump says Morocco will establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, and that the U.S. will recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
In a tweet on Thursday, Trump wrote, “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!”
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020
Morocco is the fourth Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel since August. It joins Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan in normalizing relations with Israel.
The deal will lead to the reopening of embassies in the capitals of Israel and Morocco, direct flights between the two nations, and greater economic ties.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said the deal is a “significant step forward for the people of Israel and Morocco.”
“It further enhances Israel’s security, while creating opportunities for Morocco and Israel to deepen their economic ties and improve the lives of their people,” he added.
As the Associated Press reports, Morocco had a large Jewish population before Israel was established as a state in 1948. It is reported that the country has been rumored to want to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
The two nations had some level of diplomatic relations in the 1990s. However, those were cut off after there was a Palestinian uprising in 2000.
In addition to announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel, Trump said the U.S. would recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
“Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara,” he said, adding, “Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!”
The Western Sahara has been a disputed terrority for decades. It was reported that the decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the region was a key factor in the normalizing of relations with Israel.
Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the 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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020
In a separate tweet, the president wrote, “Morocco recognized the United States in 1777. It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over the Western Sahara.”
Morocco recognized the United States in 1777. It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2020
The proclamation regarding the Western Sahara read, “The United States believes that an independent Sahrawi State is not a realistic option for resolving the conflict and that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.”