Tel Aviv University hosted a celebration of the first anniversary of the signing of the Tripartite Agreement between Morocco, USA and Israel. The event was attended by Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, Head of the Liaison Office of the Kingdom of Morocco to the State of Israel; Amos Elad, Vice President for Resource Development, Tel Aviv University; Prof. Milette Shamir, Vice President for International Academic Collaboration, Tel Aviv University and representatives from the U.S. Embassy. The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra performed at the event.

Special Breakthrough in Ties with Northern Africa

Prof. Milette Shamir, Vice President for International Academic Collaboration, Tel Aviv University: “Exactly a year ago, Morocco and Israel opened a new chapter in their long and complex relations. This new chapter brings to the forefront diplomatic, economic, and technological cooperation, and it is one in which universities in Israel and Morocco can play a lead role. We at TAU see great potential in promoting academic collaboration with Moroccan universities including through students exchange. In fact, next month we will be inaugurating a new scholarship fund intended to support talented young Moroccans who want to come study at Tel Aviv University”.

Prof. Uzi Rabi, Director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies: “Morocco is a very unique country in the African and Middle Eastern landscape. Morocco had non-formal relations with Israel throughout the years, but the tripartite agreements are a remarkable achievement, which mark a special breakthrough in the ties with Northern Africa. Morocco and Israel are single minded in the belief that there is a need for a change in the Middle East. This conference is an indication that a cooperation can be achieved in various fields.“

Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh and the The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra

Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, Head of the Liaison Office of the Kingdom of Morocco to the State of Israel: “The Morocco-Israel-USA agreement has indeed laid the foundations for the resumption of Moroccan-Israeli bilateral relations, and triggered an all-out development of cultural, socio-economic and human ties.  This dynamic, which is reflected in a myriad of cooperation agreements and initiatives of economic operators and civil society, draws its strength from secular relations and the attachment of the Jewish community of Moroccan origin to the Kingdom and to the person of HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful.

The tripartite agreement also reaffirmed the importance of promoting a more peaceful and prosperous future in the Middle East on the basis of a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. This important component reflects the constant commitment of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, in favor of the Palestinian cause and for peace and stability in the region.” 

Featured image: From left to right: Abdel Allali, Amos Elad, Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh and Prof. Milette Shamir (Ofer Amram, Tel Aviv University)