Moroccan army chief given official reception in Israel

JERUSALEM

Morocco’s army chief Lt. Gen. Belkhir El-Farouk started an official visit to Israel on Tuesday to participate in a military conference in the city of Tel Aviv.

El-Farouk was offered an official reception ceremony upon his arrival and was welcomed by Israeli army chief Aviv Kochavi.

El-Farouk will take part in the Israeli army's International Operational Innovation Conference along with the participation of military leaders from other countries.

On Monday, the Moroccan army confirmed El-Farouk's participation in the conference, which takes place from Sept. 12 to 15.

"It will lay the foundations for solid cooperation in the field of multi-dimensional defense and military renewal," the army said in a statement.

Last week, the Israeli army said dozens of military leaders would take part in the conference, including Arab countries.

In 2020, Israel and Morocco announced the resumption of bilateral diplomatic relations, after their suspension in 2000.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar