Morocco: parliament approves agreements with Israel 

The Moroccan Parliament has given majority approval to two agreements with Israel related to economic cooperation and air services, Raialyoum has reported. Trades unions in the country, including the Democratic Confederation of Labour, the National Labour Union of Morocco and the Social Justice group, have opposed the agreements.

The two agreements are the first of their kind between Morocco and Israel. They are expected to come into force in the coming weeks after their publication in the Official Gazette.

The Foreign Affairs, National Defence, Islamic Affairs and Moroccan Expatriates Committees in the House of Representatives (the upper chamber of parliament), ratified a number of agreements unanimously at the beginning of this month.

The deals with Israel are among 15 international agreements ratified by the House of Councillors (the lower chamber) during a legislative session held on Tuesday. The agreements are aimed at “strengthening and consolidating the cooperation that brings Morocco together with many brotherly countries, in addition to strengthening its position on the continental level.”

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita explained that agreements have also been made with Chad regarding land transport and logistics; the Union of Comoros related to the prevention of double taxation and investment protection; and an agreement with the Republic of the Philippines relating to the promotion of air services.

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