Israel's chargé d'affaires to Morocco David Govrin said Sunday that he was "very excited and honored" to step into the role of Head of Israel's Liaison Office in Rabat, Morocco, after the position was vacant for more than two decades.
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On Dec. 10, 2020, Israel and Morocco announced they would re-establish their diplomatic relations after Rabat cut its ties with the Jewish state in 2000 due to the eruption of the deadly Second Intifada.
In an i24NEWSexclusive, Govrin spoke of Morocco's vibrant Jewish community, saying he has met with its representatives in Rabat and Casablanca "who were very happy to receive us. We discussed Jewish life here in Morocco, they raised a few concerns, [as] unfortunately, a relatively great number of Jewish community members were affected by the coronavirus epidemic."
The ambassador disclosed the Jewish community's "significant" role in resuming Morocco's ties with Jerusalem by bridging between the sides.
Govrin also mentioned the criticism of the deal, as not all Moroccans supported the move -- "mainly in Islamist circles -- but I believe that in the course of time, all segments of Moroccan society will realize that this is for their benefit as well as ours."
Also on Sunday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita confirmed that an official delegation was slated to arrive in Israel on Tuesday to establish Rabat's mission in Tel Aviv.
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Bourita did not name the ambassador who would head the mission, saying, "There is no permanent envoy to Israel at this time." He noted that the temporary chargé d'affaires would arrive in Israel on Tuesday, too.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
Damian Pachter contributed to this report
