Morocco, Turkey to cooperate in energy, mining

Morocco and Turkey agreed to foster cooperation in the fields of mining and energy, including innovative fields such as green hydrogen.

The deal was signed by Morocco’s energy minister Laila Benali and her Turkish peer Alparslan Bayraktar, who also agreed to cooperate on electricity distribution, decarbonization, and energy efficiency.

The two parties also highlighted the need to promote the use of artificial intelligence in geological research as well as seismic monitoring.

Speaking following the signature, the Turkish minister underscored the “potential for cooperation” between the two countries that share long-standing ties.

Morocco and Turkey both face a surge on electricity demand as well as ambitious environmental goals, he said.

Energy cooperation would add momentum to the growing ties between the two countries, said Benali, noting that Morocco is forging ahead in its renewable energy and natural gas plans.

Morocco aims for renewable energy to represent 52% of its electricity mix before 2030 and plans to set up an LNG terminal in Nador’s port.

The two countries have already signed a free trade agreement and their respective citizens enjoy visa free entry.