The European Union and Morocco have signed a “green partnership” deal they hope will foster cooperation on renewable energy.
The North African country is seeking to provide alternatives for European nations trying to distance themselves from fossil fuels, whose prices have increased after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The deal was signed by European Commission Deputy Head Frans Timmermans and Moroccan Chief Diplomat Nasser Bourita and is the first of its kind, Timmermans said during the signing ceremony in Rabat.
He added that it aims to create “sustainable growth that reflects today’s challenges.”
Bourita said the “harsh international reality has shown, both in Europe and in North Africa, that when it comes to energy, it is reliability and only reliability that counts”.
The remarks, which allude to Russia’s move to cut off gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation for Western sanctions, also came after Algeria stopped gas deliveries to Spain through a pipeline running across Moroccan territory.
A diplomatic row with Morocco coincided with the end of a protracted supply contract.
The memorandum of understanding signed is set to boost cooperation on energy and the fight against climate change, with private sector involvement.
It read: “It aims to foster the transition to a decarbonized industry through investment in green technology, renewable energy production, sustainable mobility, and clean production in the industry.”
