Speaking at the ceremony, held recently at the initiative of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in collaboration with the Canada-Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Group, Morocco’s ambassador in Ottawa, Souriya Otmani, said that the tripartite agreement to restore relations between Morocco and Israel reflects the Kingdom’s deep and continuing commitment to peace, security and prosperity in North Africa and the Middle East.
The diplomat stressed the need for peace-loving and stable countries to work together to combat global threats such as terrorism, extremism, separatism and disrespect for the territorial integrity of countries, a statement from Morocco’s Embassy to Canada said.
She also highlighted the shared values of dialogue, peace, prosperity and tolerance as well as the considerable economic opportunities between Morocco and Israel through the resumption of diplomatic relations.
For his part, the representative of CIJA, an institution that brings together all the Jewish federations and institutions in Canada, and the representative of the Embassy of Israel to Canada, highlighted the historical ties and shared values between Morocco and Israel through a large Jewish community of Moroccan origin established in the country.
In similar remarks, Rachel Bendayane, co-chair of the Canada-Morocco friendship group, welcomed the signing of the Abraham agreements and the resumption of relations between Morocco and Israel, as well as the commitment of these two countries to peace and security in the region.
The event took place in the presence of many personalities including ministers, parliamentarians, and diplomats as well as members of the Moroccan Jewish community established in different provinces of Canada.