Israel and Morocco Approve Maritime Trade Agreement, Boosting Economic Ties

– bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read
Israel and Morocco Approve Maritime Trade Agreement, Boosting Economic Ties

The official approval by the Israeli government of a maritime trade cooperation agreement with Morocco paves the way for its implementation within 30 days. Announced Thursday by Israeli authorities, this decision concerns a text initialed in Rabat in May 2023.

Confirmed Wednesday by a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, this validation thus ratifies the agreement. It defines a framework for multiple aspects of maritime transport, including security, port access, taxation, dispute resolution, as well as fees and customs duties.

In addition to these regulatory and financial aspects, the agreement establishes mutual recognition of maritime documents and ensures equal treatment for vessels and companies of both nations. Miri Regev, Israeli Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of this progress: "This agreement represents an important new step in strengthening relations between Israel and Morocco. The opening of maritime trade and sea transport routes between the two countries will benefit both economies and create new opportunities for cooperation".

The effective implementation of this agreement will be overseen by a joint maritime commission, also responsible for resolving issues related to bilateral maritime transport. Its entry into force is expected within 30 days following ratification by both parties. While Morocco had already given its approval, the Israeli approval had been delayed due to the regional conflict context.