Positioned as a strategic partner, Morocco holds the key to sustainable and diverse energy sources, aligning with the UK’s quest for a greener future.
Safaa KasraouiDec. 28, 2023 10:15 a.m.
Morocco Seeks to Strengthen Trade, Security Cooperation with UK
In 2019, Morocco and the UK signed an Association Agreement to ensure that the two countries maintain their relationships unscathed following Brexit.
Rabat – Ties between Morocco and the UK have the potential to be reinforced on various levels beyond trade, Moroccan ambassador to the UK Hakim Hajoui has said.
The diplomat made his remarks in a statement to the Daily Express, where he stressed that Morocco can offer more than just fresh produce, pointing to substantial investments in green energy.
More than trade
“We can offer much more than fresh tomatoes and raspberries. Take energy for example,” the ambassador said, recalling Morocco’s investment in green energy. “Morocco has massively invested in green energy and has the potental to contribute to the energy security of its strategic partners.”
Morocco has been emphasizing its ambition to intensify its efforts and investments to boost green energy production.
Earlier this year, Moroccan phosphate giant OCP announced plans to invest $7 billion in a green ammonia plant in southern Morocco. The project is part of Morocco’s efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals, particularly in renewable energy.
A recent report from the Global Energy Monitor shows that Morocco’s goal of sourcing 52% of its electricity needs from renewables by 2030 is the “most credible” target in the MENA region.
The UK is one of the countries that have endorsed Morocco’s sustainable development goals.
In May, the two countries reflected their determination to intensify cooperation on sectors like clean energy through the signing of a strategic cooperation framework.
Morocco’s foreign affairs minister Nasser Bourita and the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East & North frica, South Asia, and the UN Lord Tariq Ahmed signed the agreement as part of the fourth session of the UK-Morocco strategic dialogue.
The agreement seeks to help support the two countries’ cooperation in different sectors, including clean energy and green growth.
“Another milestone in the UK-Morocco relations as we reaffirmed our common vision for the establishment of a strategic partnership and deepening friendship between our two Kingdoms,” Lord Ahmed said on the agreement.
Strategic partners
Positioned as a strategic partner, Morocco holds the key to sustainable and diverse energy sources, aligning with the UK’s quest for a greener future.
The Daily Express has also stressed that the UK is planning a “major Brexit trade and security deal” that seeks to unlock opportunities across Africa.
The deal, which was endorsed by former Prime Minister Borris Johnson, is inspired by the growing cooperation with Morocco.
The news outlet recalled the former PM’s contentment with the pos-Brexit advantages, particularly the significant increase in trade with Morocco.
“The former Prime Minister is understood to have told friends that the doubling of trade with Morocco since Brexit even before a new advanced trade deal is signed is an example of the benefits of leaving the EU,” the Daily Express reported.
The news outlet said that the North African country is now looking for a “trade and security deal” with the UK, describing Morocco’s strategic position as the “gateway to Africa.”
In 2019, Morocco and the UK signed an Association Agreement to ensure that the two countries maintain their relationships unscathed following Brexit.
In November, President of the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco Stephen Orr said he is satisfied with trade cooperation between the two countries.
Orr said that the two countries have been engaged in boosting and developing bilateral cooperation covering different sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and the pharmaceutical sector.
In a recent visit to Morocco, Lord Ahmad said that the volume of trade between the countries was estimated at a value of £2.9 billion in 2022, indicating an “incredible” increase of over 53% from the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021.
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