Morocco, Turkey Sign Strategic Energy and Mining Agreements

Rabat – Morocco and Turkey have signed two crucial agreements covering energy, earth sciences, and mining. The agreements were signed on Thursday in Rabat between Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali and Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

These agreements include collaboration in renewable energies, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, electricity generation and distribution, integration of energy markets, clean technologies, decarbonization efforts, and exploration of hydrocarbons.

Regarding mining and earth sciences, the partnership will include geological mapping, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence for mineral assessment, geological research, post-mining management, seismic monitoring, strategic and critical mineral management, and joint projects in energy and mining exploration.

These agreements establish a framework for enhancing public-private partnerships, research and development, technical assistance, capacity building, exchange of expertise and technologies, joint project development, cooperation between innovation agencies and research organizations, as well as technical visits, workshops, and seminars.

During the signing ceremony, both ministers praised the strong bilateral relations cultivated over the past two decades under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Morocco and Turkey formalized diplomatic ties in 1956 through a joint declaration by their respective governments, shortly after Morocco declared its independence.

The two countries maintain strong economic ties. Since the implementation of a free trade agreement in 2006, their bilateral relations have surged, with trade between them surpassing $2.7 billion in 2018.

This enduring partnership has been characterized by numerous diplomatic and commercial agreements, alongside exchanges of expertise across vital and complementary sectors.

The two ministers highlighted the historical and economic ties between Turkey and Morocco, emphasizing the abundant opportunities and potential for cooperation in the fields of energy and mining.

“Our countries share common challenges such as rising energy demand and ambitious climate goals,” Bayraktar noted.

Benali confirmed that the talks presented a chance to tackle mutual challenges and explore opportunities for growth in renewable energy, minerals, and natural gas, aligning with shared ambitions.

She explained that the first agreement with Turkey will strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy and renewable energy sectors, while the second one aims to boost investments, both private and public, in minerals and mining across both nations.

“We have also established a working team that will develop concrete projects in the coming months, including energy investments and purchases to reduce the energy bills of both our nations,” Benali added.

Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s visit to Morocco highlights the ongoing consultations and coordination between the two countries, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and fostering mutual investments.

The ceremony was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Morocco, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and its affiliated agencies, including ONHYM, ONEE, MASEN, AMEE, and IRESEN.

As cooperation deepens in the energy and mining sectors, both Morocco and Turkey look forward to harnessing their collective strengths for sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.