Morocco seeks Israeli defense industry know-how
Morocco and Israel are fostering their relations on all fronts including in the defense industry as Israel’s top general and Moroccan minister in charge of defense discuss means to develop cooperation to cover military manufacturing.
Following talks with Israel’s army chief Aviv Kohavi in Rabat Tuesday, Minister in charge of defense, Loudiyi reiterated Morocco’s determination to develop defense industry projects with Israel as Morocco seeks to reduce its dependence on imports.
The two leaders reaffirmed that their closer ties are geared to serve regional peace and stability.
Kohavi also met Morocco’s top general Farouk Belkhir. The two parties expressed satisfaction at their growing cooperation as evidenced by the participation of Israeli troops in joint exercises, including the African Lion, co-organized by Morocco and the US with the participation of friendly armies.
Kohavi’s visits cements a growing cooperation between the two countries in vital sectors including security. Since the resumption of diplomatic ties, Morocco and Israel have exchanged visits by top civilian and military officials.
Prior to Kohavi’s visit, Israeli ministers in charge of the interior, trade, the economy, defense and foreign affairs have paid visits to Rabat.
Last month, a delegation of Israeli innovation firms held a meeting with their Moroccan counterparts in Casablanca, in a sign of growing economic interest by the business communities for joint projects.
Israeli media reported that Morocco was planning to open its embassy soon in Israel, upgrading its already existing liaison office there.
Israeli trade minister had announced during a visit to Rabat earlier this year that her country aspires to bolster trade with Morocco to 500 million dollars from 130 million currently, buoyed by increasing connectivity between the two countries.
Morocco also hopes direct air links would attract more Israeli tourists to the country which was once home to the largest Jewish community in North Africa.
