Hakim Hajoui, Moroccan ambassador to the UK, unveils a vision for a dynamic relationship between Morocco and the United Kingdom that transcends traditional trade. Hajoui emphasizes Morocco’s significant green energy investments as a key area for potential collaboration.
Green Energy: The New Frontier
Morocco’s pivot from its known agricultural exports to green energy marks a strategic shift. “We can offer much more than fresh tomatoes and raspberries. Take energy for example,” asserts Hajoui, spotlighting Morocco’s substantial green energy ventures. This shift underlines Morocco’s ambition to bolster the energy security of strategic partners.
Proactively, Morocco boosts its green energy output. This year, Moroccan phosphate giant OCP committed $7 billion to a green ammonia plant in southern Morocco, aligning with Morocco’s broader strategy for sustainable development, with a focus on renewable energy.
A Global Energy Monitor report lauds Morocco’s commitment, citing its objective to derive 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 as the most credible in the MENA region. The UK, recognizing the importance of sustainable initiatives, endorses Morocco’s green endeavors.
Expanding Ties Through Frameworks
A strategic cooperation framework, signed in May, fortifies the UK-Morocco partnership. The pact, sealed by Morocco’s foreign affairs minister Nasser Bourita, and the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, and the UN Lord Tariq Ahmed, aims to enhance collaboration across sectors, including clean energy and green growth.
Lord Ahmed comments on the agreement, stating, “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.”
Greener Future with Enhanced Security
As a strategic ally, Morocco presents diverse, sustainable energy sources, aligning with the UK’s pursuit of a greener future. The Daily Express highlights the UK’s plan for a major Brexit trade and security deal, spurred by its growing collaboration with Morocco. This deal seeks to unlock opportunities across Africa and reflects the benefits of post-Brexit trade increases with Morocco.
Morocco as Africa’s Gateway
Morocco eyes a comprehensive “trade and security deal” with the UK, capitalizing on its role as Africa’s gateway. Following the 2019 Association Agreement, ensuring continued robust relations post-Brexit, Morocco positions itself strategically.
Stephen Orr, President of the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco, voices satisfaction with the flourishing trade cooperation, encompassing sectors like agriculture, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Lord Ahmad, acknowledging the burgeoning trade volume, notes a 2022 value of £2.9 billion, a noteworthy 53% surge from the previous year.
As these developments progress, the strengthening bond between Morocco and the UK heralds a new chapter of innovative cooperation, bridging trade, security, and a shared commitment to sustainable progress.
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