Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed a memorandum of understanding with his Moroccan counterpart on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
“We have just signed a defense cooperation MoU with Morocco,” announced Gantz, during the first-ever official visit by an Israeli defense official to the North African kingdom.
The MoU provides a solid framework for formalizing defense relations between Jerusalem and Ramat, according to the statement.
Following the signing ceremony, Gantz thanked King Mohammed VI and Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi for supporting the expansion of ties with Israel, particularly in light of developing threats in the Middle East and North Africa. He also stressed Morocco’s role in maintaining regional stability and raised the issue of peace deals with additional partners.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, Gantz laid a ceremonial wreath at the mausoleum of King Mohammed V, and wrote a message of tribute to Morocco’s “rich history, culture and legacy.”