Morocco and Turkey signed two partnership agreements on Thursday, focusing on cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, and geology, according to the Moroccan News Agency.
From the Moroccan side, the agreements were signed by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, represented by Minister Leila Benali, while the Turkish side was represented by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, through Alparslan Bayraktar. The signing took place in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
According to the agency, the partnership aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, electricity production and distribution, energy market integration, clean technologies, decarbonization, and hydrocarbon exploration.
In the fields of mining and earth sciences, the partnership aims to produce geological maps, remote sensing, databases, and geographic information systems (GIS). It also focuses on the use of artificial intelligence for mineral assessment, geological research, post-mining management, seismic monitoring, and the management of strategic and critical minerals, as well as joint projects for exploring energy and mineral resources.
The agency added that these agreements provide a framework for cooperation between the two countries to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors, research and development, technical assistance, capacity building, exchange of experts and technologies, development of joint projects, cooperation between innovation agencies and research organizations, as well as technical visits, workshops, and seminars.
During the signing ceremony, the officials praised the fruitful relations between the two countries, which have seen significant development over the past two decades under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Turkish minister highlighted the numerous opportunities and potentials for cooperation in the fields of energy and minerals between the two countries, applauding the historical and economic ties between them. He also noted that both countries share common challenges, including rising energy demand and ambitious environmental goals.
Benali stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the common challenges facing Morocco and Turkey, as well as the prospects for development and shared ambitions in various fields such as renewable energy, minerals, and natural gas.
She explained that the first agreement signed with Turkey would give a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in energy and renewable energies, while the second agreement would encourage private and public investment in both Morocco and Turkey in the fields of mining and minerals.
"In this context, we have established a working group dedicated to developing concrete projects in the coming months, including investments and energy acquisitions to reduce energy bills in our countries," Benali said.
