Israel-Morocco ties to be strengthened during visit by Moroccan parliament leader this week

Knesset speaker visited Morocco in June

The president of the Moroccan House of Councillors, Enaam Mayara, will visit Israel for the first time on Thursday at the invitation of Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Mayara’s trip marks the first visit by a Moroccan leader to the Knesset, and one of the highest-ranking Muslim leaders to visit the Jewish state since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020.

The trip follow’s Israel’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region.

“This is an unprecedented visit that testifies to the new era created in Israel-Morocco relations. In the past, one could only dream of the arrival of a symbol of the Moroccan government for a state visit to Israel," Ohana said.

"Today, it is a reality full of hope, which has something to teach us about the possibilities for expanding the circles of peace in the Middle East.”

Ohana visited Morocco in June, making him the first Knesset speaker to do so.

The trip will include several other firsts, including the first Moroccan flag to be raised at the Knesset and the first time the Moroccan national anthem will be played by the Israel Police Orchestra.

Following the welcoming ceremonies, Mayara and the Moroccan delegation will hold a work meeting in Ohana’s office, notably the first formal meeting in Israel to involve senior officials from both countries since mid-July, when Israel recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Mayara also serves as president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and will be accompanied by members of that assembly during his regional tour. Israel's Knesset speaker is expected to meet with the PAM delegation as well.

The delegation is currently visiting Jordan, where Mayara met with Jordanian Senate President Faisal Al Fayez.

The two discussed strengthening the mutual ties between the countries, including the resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Amman, which were suspended during the COVID pandemic.

The two leaders also confirmed their mutual commitment to the Palestinian cause.