Israel and Morocco strengthen maritime ties with new transport deal

The Israeli government has officially approved a bilateral maritime transport agreement with Morocco, a significant move announced on Wednesday by the Israeli Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. This agreement, set to take effect within 30 days, aims to enhance maritime transport operations between the two nations.

Originally signed in Rabat on May 29, 2023, the agreement is designed to facilitate and regulate maritime transport based on principles of free and fair competition, freedom of navigation, and mutual cooperation.

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev, who spearheaded the approval process, emphasized the importance of this agreement in fostering stronger relations between Israel and Morocco. She described the opening of maritime trade routes as a vital step that will not only bolster the economies of both countries but also create new opportunities for collaboration.

Regev stated, “We are committed to continuing to develop ties between our countries while removing barriers and promoting cooperation in all areas, especially in transportation and ports.”

The comprehensive agreement includes a range of critical regulations pertaining to safety protocols, port access procedures, taxation policies, dispute resolution mechanisms, fees, and tariff structures. It also facilitates mutual recognition of vessel documentation and ensures equal treatment of vessels and shipping companies from both nations.

Under the terms outlined, shipping revenues generated in one country can be utilized for payments within that territory or transferred abroad, in accordance with each nation’s foreign exchange laws. Additionally, the agreement lays the groundwork for mutual assistance to vessels in distress and allows for the establishment of shipping enterprise representations in either country.

A pivotal aspect of the deal is the establishment of a joint maritime committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the agreement and addressing any maritime transport issues arising between the two nations. Moshe Ben Zaken, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, noted that this agreement will enhance business certainty and facilitate the freer movement of goods.

Despite the optimistic outlook on maritime cooperation, the approval of this agreement occurs amid a backdrop of strained relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military actions in Gaza. Public sentiment in Morocco has shown a marked opposition to these developments, with pro-Palestinian protests occurring frequently, demanding the cessation of diplomatic ties with Israel.

The recent approval follows a controversial visit by Regev to Morocco in February, during which she faced protests from delegations representing Palestine, Turkey, Jordan, and Ireland, who walked out during her speech. Legal efforts by Moroccan activists to block her entry into the country were unsuccessful, as Moroccan courts allowed her visit to proceed.

During her earlier visit in May 2023, alongside the maritime transport agreement, two additional agreements were signed concerning mutual recognition of driving licenses and the facilitation of exchanges in road safety and transport innovation.

Morocco re-established diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2020. Prior to recent conflicts, officials from both nations had signed numerous agreements spanning education, trade, and defense, leading to a notable increase in bilateral trade. In 2022, trade between Tel Aviv and Rabat surged by one-third, with around 200,000 Israelis visiting Morocco that year. This interaction is significant, given that nearly 700,000 Israelis have Moroccan roots, fostering enduring ties to the country.

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these agreements will impact the broader geopolitical landscape and the dynamics of public opinion in Morocco.