We emphatically welcome the announcement on the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel brokered by the United States. The fact that following the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the Sudan, a fourth country has embarked upon this path within the space of a few months is an important and encouraging step towards more peace and stability in the region.

The rapprochement of the last few months between Israel and its Arab neighbours can inject fresh impetus into the efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. This momentum should now be used. The German Government supports the resumption of direct negotiations between the two sides and is working both bilaterally with Israel and the Palestinians as well as together with our European and Arab partners to bring this about.

The German Government’s position on the conflict concerning the Western Sahara is unchanged. We are seeking a fair and durable UN-mediated political solution which is acceptable to all sides.