JERUSALEM

The head of Israel’s diplomatic mission in Morocco took charge on Tuesday, days after the two countries normalized their relations. 

David Goffrin will work toward advancing bilateral relations in all areas, including tourism, economy, and culture, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that the resumption of full diplomatic relations between Tel Aviv and Rabat is an important step for Israel.

Israel named Goffrin, its former ambassador to Egypt, as temporary charge d’affaires in Morocco on Jan. 11. The move came 20 years after it closed its liaison office in the North African country.

In 2000, Morocco broke all ties with Israel after the latter's violent response to the second Palestinian intifada and suspension of peace talks with the Palestinians.

But last month, Morocco restored diplomatic relations under a US-sponsored deal. It became the fourth Arab country to agree to normalization with Israel in 2020 after the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz